News

Lakeland, FL — May 2, 2025 — The City of Lakeland will soon move forward with a cutting-edge water quality improvement initiative for Crystal Lake, an impaired surface water body burdened by excessive nutrient levels. The project aims to dramatically reduce nutrient concentrations in the lake and restore its ecological balance through the application of a scientifically proven treatment product.

Notice is hereby given that the City Commission of the City of Lakeland, Florida, will consider passage of the following titled ordinance(s) at a City Commission meeting which commences at 9:00 A.M. on Monday, May 19, 2025, in the City Commission Chamber at City Hall, Lakeland, Florida.

LAKELAND, FL (May 1, 2025) – On May 1, 2025, at 4:52 a.m. the Lakeland Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at the Fast Stop convenience store, 820 E. Memorial Blvd. Upon arriving, officers located the suspect, Ricardo Zelidon (age 59 of Lakeland), behind his vehicle with his hands up. They also located Jessie Woullard (age 45 of Lakeland) inside his vehicle wit ...

Lakeland, FL – April 30, 2025 – The legendary Southern rock pioneers, The Marshall Tucker Band, are set to perform at the RP Funding Center on Friday, September 13, 2025. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2025, and there is special ticket pricing to commemorate 1974. Join them to celebrate the 50 years of music and memories of the former Lakeland Civic Center. Fans can look forward to a night of timeless music and unforgettable memories as this iconic band brings decades of hits and musical mastery to the heart of Central Florida.

LAKELAND, FL (April 28, 2025) | The City of Lakeland will honor the legacy of John Rodda with the dedication of the John Rodda Sports Complex at Lake Crago Park during a ceremony on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

*****UPDATE*****   LAKELAND, FL (May 1, 2025) - On May 1, 2025, Nicholas Lue was charged with Second Degree Murder in the death of Jesse Banks. Banks was killed while Lue was attempting to perpetrate the murder of another individual.   *****ORIGINAL RELEASE*****   LAKELAND, FL (April 25, 2025) – On April 24, 2025, at 9:31 p.m. the Lakeland Police Department responded to r ...

Lakeland, FL (April 24, 2025) | The City of Lakeland, Bonnet Springs Park, and global infrastructure leader AECOM invite the public and media to a special Open House on May 14, 2025, showcasing a transformative, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)-funded initiative that is revolutionizing the fight against harmful algal blooms — and turning environmental challenges into renewable energy solutions.

Lakeland, FL – (April 23, 2025) – The Lakeland Police Department is proud to participate in the Special Olympics Torch Run on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Law Enforcement representatives from across Polk County will run alongside Special Olympics Athletes through the downtown Lakeland area.    The course will start at the Lakeland Police Department, travel through t ...

LAKELAND, FL (April 23, 2025) | On Thursday, April 30, CSX Transportation will be conducting critical maintenance on the rail crossing located at E. Main Street and Bartow Road (US98). To facilitate these repairs, E. Main Street will be temporarily closed from Bartow Road to Ingraham Avenue starting at approximately 8:00 a.m. The maintenance work is expected to take several hours to complete.

LAKELAND, FL (April 21, 2025) | The City of Lakeland recently acquired six White Mute Swans to introduce fresh genetics into the local swan population. Diversifying the gene pool is vital for the long-term health, vitality, and resilience of the flock. It helps prevent inbreeding, supports disease resistance, and enhances adaptability to environmental changes—ensuring the continued viability of this cherished local population.