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Tag: Polk County

  • Lawn watering restrictions in effect for the Tampa Bay area

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    TAMPA, Fla. — We have had cold weather this year, but we have not had a lot of rain. So, starting Sunday, water restrictions will be in effect.

    According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, our area has a rainfall deficit of more than a foot. This is because of the drier than normal rainy season we had last summer.

    In response, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s order will reduce lawn watering to one day a week.

    If you’re wondering what day you can water, it will depend on the last number of your address. 

     
    DAY OF THE WEEK ADDRESS ENDING IN
    MONDAY 0 or 1
    TUESDAY 2 or 3
    WEDNESDAY 4 or 5
    THURSDAY 6 or 7
    FRIDAY 8 or 9

    Source: Southwest Florida Water Management District

    Watering hours will be reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. If your property is less than one acre in size, you may only use one of the those time windows.

    If you have a low-volume watering system (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) used for watering plants and shrubs, not lawns, you are allowed to water any day and any time.

    The Southwest Florida Water Management District is also asking you to check with your local government for allowable hours or whether there are stricter hours.

    These restrictions will be in place until July 1.


    PDF: Phase II Water Shortage FAQ

    PDF: Phase II Water Shortage Fact Sheet

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Polk County program opens doors to diversity in public safety careers

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    BARTOW, Fla. — A program in Polk County is continuing to drive diversity in public safety. 

    The Proactive Diversity Recruitment and Training Program, which started in 2005, recently marked its 20 years of service to the community.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County runs a program that helps people from diverse backgrounds enter public safety careers

    • The program removes barriers and creates opportunities in fields like fire rescue and emergency services

    • Over the past 20 years, it has strengthened public safety departments by increasing representation


    If you asked program coordinator Kelly Rucker where she’d be 12 years ago, she said she wouldn’t have been able to tell you.

    “I had no idea, no direction as to what I was going to do,” she said. “As a mother of two daughters at the time, I was really kind of just surviving.”

    That was until she learned about the Proactive Diversity Recruitment and Training Program. She quickly applied and worked her way up to becoming a firefighter medic.

    “The experience going through the program was very difficult,” she said. “To get selected, you have to pass a series of tests, agility exams, different trainings you’re really never exposed to.”

    Rucker said the experience also opened her eyes to opportunities that, as a Black and Hispanic woman, she didn’t think were available.

    Today, the program assists economically disadvantaged residents pursuing a career in public safety, regardless of race or gender. But Joe Halman, a former deputy county manager of public safety, said it originally started in 2005 to help diversify the industry.

    “At the time, minority representation was very slim,” Halman said. “Maybe one, two. And a group of community leaders, who were a part of the community relations advisory council, started asking questions about representation and fire rescue.”

    After gaining inspiration from Alachua County’s diversity program, Polk County later adopted its own. Since then, Halman said minority representation within fire rescue has grown significantly.

    “We have a lot of minorities apply who want to become firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and has strengthened our department,” he said. “Quite frankly, I’ll be honest with you, it has made us better today than ever.”

    Rucker said she’s proud to be a part of that trend. And now, as the program’s coordinator, she gets to inspire the next generation to do the same.

    “These kids need to see women of color; they need to see things like that in positions that are respected so that they know it is a possibility,” she said. “And it doesn’t matter where you come from, it doesn’t matter your past, or if you were a single mom of two kids, or if at the time you were economically disadvantaged.”

    Qualified residents can join the Proactive Diversity Recruitment and Training Program at no cost. Students also receive benefits and an hourly wage while completing classes.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lake Gibson High School will be all over the Super Bowl

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — The high school football season doesn’t kick off until August, but the Lake Gibson Braves are putting in the work now that hopefully will show up on Friday nights.

    And this offseason, they’ve got extra incentive. Three of their fellow Lake Gibson Braves will be in the Super Bowl.

    What You Need To Know

    • When the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots faceoff in the Super Bowl, Lake Gibson High School will be represented in three ways

    • Roy Ellison, Class of 1983, will be officiating. Quinshon Odom, Class of 2010, is an assistant coach for the Seahawks. And Tyrice Knight, Class of 2018, is a linebacker for Seattle

    • All three played football at Lake Gibson


    “Yeah, it gives me hope,” junior linebacker Malachi Moore said. “You know what I’m saying, one in a million chance, so it really just gives us all hope.”

    And it gives the school serious bragging rights. Former Lake Gibson coaches Keith and Doug DeMyer coached two of the alumni that will be in the Super Bowl.

    Going through old yearbooks brought back some fond memories of the glory days.

    On Super Bowl Sunday, referee Roy Ellison, Lake Gibson Class of 1983, Seattle Seahawks offensive assistant coach Quinshon Odom, Class of 2010 and Seahawks linebacker Tryrice Knight, Class of 2018 will be representing the Braves. Roy will be officiating his fourth Super Bowl. Quinshon, the former Lake Gibson quarterback, will be coaching in his first. It will also be a first for Tyrice, who is a big part of the NFL’s sixth-ranked defense.

    “It’s pretty special to have three of them in all three phases,” Keith DeMyer said. “Administration, officiating and a player. It’s just great.”

    These current players can bear witness to dreams really coming true.

    “It opens up some eyes, like we can really do that if we put in the work and do what we’re instructed to do,” Doug DeMyer said. “And take care of things in the classroom and out in the community and we just follow the plan that’s been laid many, many moons ago and obviously the plan is successful.”

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    Katherine Smith

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  • Local non-profit helps protect homeless population amid cold front

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — As colder temperatures roll into the region this weekend, one organization is working to protect Polk County’s most vulnerable residents.


    What You Need To Know

    • The Cosmo Project is stepping up to protect the homeless population as temperatures are expected to drop into the low 20s.

    • Volunteers are collecting and distributing warm clothing and blankets.

    • Organizers emphasize empathy, community support and shared responsibility in helping vulnerable residents stay safe.


    If you ask Michael Carrano, keeping warm is a necessity — not a luxury.

    “We think it’s important we show empathy and compassion toward our neighbors. The unhoused people of Lakeland are citizens. They deserve to be treated like human beings,” he said.

    Carrano has held on to that philosophy since starting the Cosmo Project in 2023. The nonprofit provides clothing and resources to Lakeland’s homeless population. This time is no different, as Spectrum Bay News 9 weather experts say the city could see temperatures in the low 20s Sunday morning.

    “We do this every single week. We’ve been doing this every single week for three years,” Carrano said. “But when the temperatures drop that low, we start making posts on Facebook, collaborating with the Homeless Coalition and other organizations, and doing outreach at night.”

    Carrano said he and volunteers plan to hand out items such as sweaters, coats and blankets to as many people as possible. Right now, donations are being collected and sorted at volunteers’ homes.

    “The kids come, they help, and we all get together and do it as a team,” volunteer, Brittany Lamy said.

    Carrano said his team could not do this without the help of community members. Each one, he said, understands a simple truth.

    “We’ve been privileged more than they have, and it’s our responsibility to show compassion and help people who aren’t in the same situation,” he said.

    Volunteers plan to distribute donations Sunday at 10 a.m. at Munn Park in downtown Lakeland. For more information on how to help, visit the Cosmo Project’s website.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lakeland ‘man of iron’ inspires others to chase dreams

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — A young Polk County man is attempting an incredible feat.

    Robert Norris has already signed his name in the Guinness World Records.

    Now, he is aiming for history and to change minds about what people with disabilities can achieve.

    What You Need To Know

    • Robert Norris is training to complete The Great World Race

    • Norris is now in the Guinness World Records as the first athlete with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman® triathlon with no guide

    • Norris documents his journey in his social media channels


    Warming up before a run on a cold January morning, 22-year-old Norris and his Lakeland Runners Club training partners are at the starting line of a journey that almost seems impossible.

    The workout is around beautiful Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland.

    During a water break, Norris spoke about the challenge happening in November later this year.

    “The Great World Race,” Norris said. “Seven marathons in seven continents in seven days.”

    You got that?

    The famed 7-7-7 is a multiday marathon with a total distance of more than 183 miles spanning the globe.

    “What he’s planning on doing is just something I myself cannot even dream of being able to do,” said Mark Dailey, who trains Norris.

    Dailey helped Norris with the bike ride portion of a triathlon.

    Norris participated in the Arizona Ironman® recently.

    It is the first he completed while signing his name in the Guinness World Records as the first athlete with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman® triathlon with no guide.

    You can see part of Norris’ mission statement on his social media pages, to “get fit with Robert Man of Iron…this is all about mindset.”

    His YouTube page is full of motivational videos.

    He started training for all this extreme competition just two years ago.

    He is not like other super athletes.

    It is his super abilities that make him stand out.

    Harry Araya also runs with Norris around Lake Hollingsworth prepping for the Great World Race.

    “For him to go out and prove to everyone that he’s able to do it unguided, it’s just absolutely amazing,” Araya said. “It inspired me to do better at my events.”

    They all have a simple message.

    “It’s all about following your dreams, chasing your dreams, and realizing that you can do whatever you set out to do,” Dailey said.

    Just taking Norris’ word for it to “stay fit, get outside, it’s a great day to go running,” and the impossible looks a lot more possible.

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    Roy De Jesus

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  • Polk County eases strict alcohol restrictions

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County leaders are easing alcohol restrictions across the area. 

    For years, the county was known for having some of the strictest rules in the region. Recently, however, commissioners approved a number of changes in hopes of becoming more business friendly.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County approved looser alcohol regulations to become more business friendly

    • Packaged alcohol sales are now allowed on Sundays in unincorporated Polk County, with liquor stores permitted to sell from noon to midnight

    • County leaders say the changes level the playing field with nearby cities and help local businesses compete more effectively


    Taking over his family liquor business has always been the goal for Rocky Patel.

    “The business used to my uncle’s. So uncle just retired so I’ve taken over for them,” he said.

    His uncle, Jay, first opened Jay’s Liquor in the Combee Settlement community 13 years ago. While he is enjoying retirement, Patel says his uncle still keeps a close eye on changes affecting the store, including new updates to Polk County’s alcohol regulations.

    Commissioners voted to shorten the distance liquor stores and bars must be from religious institutions and schools. They also extended drinking hours at establishments by one hour and approved packaged alcohol sales on Sundays.

    “Not only for making money, but for convenience purposes also,” Patel said. “So many people tell me, ‘Why you guys aren’t open on Sundays? So we have to go far away to the city area.’”

    Prior to the changes, liquor stores located in unincorporated Polk County were prohibited from operating on Sundays. Now, they will be able to sell alcohol from noon to midnight. While residents were already able to drink on Sundays at businesses such as bars and lounges, they will now be able to start at 11 a.m. instead of noon.

    Benjamin Ziskal, director of Polk County Land Development, said the decision came after careful consideration.

    “We did receive a lot of feedback from the businesses that their sales and their customer base were significantly hampered by our rules compared to what the adjacent cities had in their rules,” Ziskal said. “We wanted to level that playing field and make sure the businesses in unincorporated Polk County have the same rules and are successful in selling alcohol.”

    For Patel, the changes could not have come at a better time.

    “Polk County, you did a good job,” he said.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Organizers promise ‘living history lesson’ at Auburndale Festival and Pow Wow

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    A festival event in Auburndale is celebrating traditions and cultures from Mexico, Haiti, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, along with the Native American community.

    The Spirit of the Buffalo Multicultural Festival and Pow Wow is being held at International Market World on U.S. Highway 92 West, in Auburndale.

    The festival runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Friday, Jan. 30 through Sunday, Feb. 1. The festival will run and be open those same hours the following weekend, from Friday, Feb. 6 through Sunday, Feb. 8.

    Organizers call the event “a living history lesson for all ages”, and are promising the following events and fun for attendees:

    • Dance competitions
    • Crafts
    • Historic village displays
    • Falconry demonstrations as part of bird shows
    • Tipi camping spaces

    For more information, click here.

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    Jeff Butera

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  • Polk County school leaders vote to move forward on rezoning 16 high schools

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Polk County School Board voted Tuesday on a plan that could change where thousands of students attend school next year.

    What You Need To Know

    • Board members took the second and final vote on the rezoning plan for all 16 high schools in Polk County

    • The superintendent says that the rezoning is necessary because of significant population shifts over the last decade

    • Under the plan, new school boundaries would go into effect next school year


    Board members too the second and final vote on the rezoning plan for all 16 high schools in Polk County, approving it unamimously.

    District leaders say comprehensive rezoning is needed to deal with growth in Central Florida, and while changes like these can be stressful for families, the Polk Education Association says these changes will be beneficial for students.

    Officials say they didn’t take this lightly — the plan has been in the making for a couple years and allows for growth.

    “Comprehensive rezoning is necessary and comes after years of data analysis, demographic studies, research into population growth trends and input from various community stakeholders throughout our district,” Superintendent Frederick Heid said in a video created by Polk County Schools.

    Heid explained that the rezoning is necessary because of significant population shifts over the last decade, with some severely overcrowded high schools, and others, particularly those in the middle of the county, with much smaller enrollment and unutilized classroom space.

    Maps show the current and new boundaries for high schools. Heid said it’s a plan that has been in the making for a couple of years. The district held a series of public meetings and surveyed families, and all of that data was used to help create the comprehensive rezoning plan.

    Stephanie Yocum is the president of the Polk Education Association and says rezoning will ultimately benefit students and teachers.

    “With the limited dollars that Tallahassee is not giving us, we need to make sure we are utilizing those dollars to the maximum capacity. And rezoning helps, again, not just with teachers, and being able to lower class sizes at overpopulated schools. It helps us bring more equitable and stable staffing plans to schools, and it also helps the student experience,” she said.

    If passed, new school boundaries would go into effect next school year.

    The district says there is a plan for current sophomores to be grandfathered into their current high schools, but they would have to provide their own transportation to get there. The district is also developing a plan for siblings to keep families together.

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    Fallon Silcox

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  • Haines City Police Chief Jay Hopwood to retire after 40 years in law enforcement

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — Police Chief Jay Hopwood will retire from the Haines City Police Department at the end of the month, ending a four-decade career in law enforcement.

    Hopwood began working with the department in 2002 as a patrol officer. Over the years, he served in numerous roles and became the police chief in March of last year.

    Prior to joining Haines City, Hopwood served as a corrections officer at the Polk County Jail for three years and later as a police officer with the Winter Haven Police Department. 

    “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Haines City for the past 24 years, including the last 10 months as Chief of Police,” said Hopwood. “While this is a bittersweet moment, I am incredibly proud of my career and grateful for the friendships I’ve made with current and former members of the police department, city employees, and the residents and business owners of Haines City.

    “I sincerely appreciate the hard work and dedication of our officers and staff — I could not have succeeded without them.”

    Deputy Chief Isaac Jackson will assume oversight of the Police Department’s daily operations.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Colder than normal temperatures expected for several days

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    A strong cold front has brought in much cooler air, with another reinforcing shot of cold air this weekend.

    What You Need To Know

    • Freezing temperatures are expected north of Tampa

    • Highs will only be in the 50s and 60s the rest of the work week

    • It could get even colder next weekend


    Low temperatures on Tuesday morning will fall to the mid-to-upper 30s for Tampa, but expect some areas near freezing in eastern Hillsborough and Polk counties.

    A freeze warning is in effect for Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties, where lows in the mid-20s to near 30 are likely.

    Wind chills near or even below 20 are possible north of Tampa, with 20s to low 30s wind chills possible elsewhere. 

    Wednesday morning will be a touch colder, so expect freezing temperatures north of Tampa once again.

    Expect another cold morning with a freeze north on Thursday, but it will be slightly milder to start Friday. 

    This Weekend

    Another strong cold front will come through during the day on Saturday.

    This will bring a chance of showers during the day, then falling temperatures Saturday night.

    Sunday morning could be the coldest of the winter, with temperatures near freezing in Tampa and possibly in the teens in Hernando and Citrus counties.

    Long Term Forecast

    Beyond the weekend, there is no sign of the colder air letting up.

    A big dip in the jet stream across the eastern United States will continue to drive cold fronts south.

    Below-normal temperatures are expected through at least the first week of February. 

    Our team of meteorologists dives deep into the science of weather and breaks down timely weather data and information. To view more weather and climate stories, check out our weather blogs section.

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    Meteorologist Kyle Hanson

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  • Latest airport delays and cancellations due to winter weather

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The winter storm that swept across the nation is causing delays and cancellations at our local airports.

    Check below to see the status of all the flights at Tampa International Airport as well as St. Pete / Clearwater airport.

    **Be sure to double check your flight status on the airport websites as information could be delayed**

    Tampa International Arrivals

    Tampa International Departures

    St. Pete Clearwater Arrivals

    St. Pete Clearwater Departures

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  • Polk County Boys and Girls Club opens Workforce Development Center in Mulberry

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    MULBERRY, Fla. — Students in Polk County now have a new path to the workforce. The Boys & Girls Club has opened a Workforce Readiness Center to help high schoolers explore careers and build job skills.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Polk County Boys & Girls Club opened a new space in Mulberry

    • The new building is making way for a Workforce Readiness Center for high school students

    • The center will give high school students insight into careers they might want to pursue and hands-on training


    Inside a new building, kids at this Boys and Girls Club in Polk County are just being kids. The club serves about 80 children and teenagers.

    For Llerli Isidro, it’s a place where she wants to make everyone feel at home. 

    “I love working with them every day, and it’s like the best part of my day every day,” she said. 

    Isidro is a part-time staff member now and a high school senior, but she was once a student here, too. 

    As the oldest of three children, she said the center really had an impact on her life.

    “Growing up, I’ve always had to be the one that took care of them, and I feel like coming to the club, I didn’t have to worry about that anymore,” she recalled.

    Now that the Boys & Girls Club has created a Workforce Readiness Center, she said it will mean even more opportunities for students to achieve their goals.

    “I feel like this could really help them,” Isidro said. “It gives them, like, an insight on the world and what they’re going to do,” she said.

    Dustin Hooker is the director of teen initiatives for the center. 

    He said they created the space with flexibility in mind to help bring in hands-on training in fields like HVAC, plumbing, culinary and more.

    “We can be more of a resource to the community and our young people because now they have something they can call theirs,” Hooker said.

    Prior to opening the center, they taught high school students skills like resume writing and taking college tours.

    Ashley Ray, the vice president of development, says the center will build on that.

    “The high schoolers that we will, we do have a few that have been coming to do community service hours, so they come in and help out with the program. But there is only so much that we’re able to do for them,” she said.

    Isidro said the center will help prepare teens for life.

    “This could help them in the future, but also they could have fun, they can still be kids. Here, people take care of you,” she said.

    Kids being kids in a new space aimed at giving them a pathway to a future career.

    The Boys & Girls Club is looking to partner with industry leaders in Mulberry to bring courses to the Workforce Readiness Center.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Lake Seward basin soon to receive permanent pipeline following Milton

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — More than a year after Hurricane Milton, work will soon begin to help prevent future flooding near the Lake Seward basin. 

    Several inches of water filled the dry basin in October 2024, causing it to overflow. Recently, Polk County commissioners approved the next phase of a project aimed at mitigating the issue.

    What You Need To Know

    • A $1 million pipeline project is moving forward to reduce flooding near Lake Seward basin

    • Homeowners bore the financial burden after the basin overflowed following Hurricane Milton

    • Residents say growth is worsening the problem, arguing that increased development has reduced natural drainage areas


    Much has changed on Oakmont Lane since Spectrum Bay News 9 first visited Jarrod Smith’s home following Milton.

    “Soon as the water cleared, we started getting some elevation changes and some drainage corrected to prevent it from happening again,” he said.

    Smith, who lives close to the Lake Seward basin, says thousands of dollars in repair costs and improvements came out of his own pocket. After runoff from the storm filled the basin, his property was submerged under water. Polk County later brought in emergency pipes to clear the area.

    “To get it out of streets and people’s houses, and that probably took about a month and a half or so to,” Smith said.

    To help prevent future flooding, county leaders approved a consultant services agreement for the design of the Lake Seward Outfall Drainage Improvement Project. The $1 million project will bring in a permanent pipeline, but Roads and Drainage Director Jay Jarvis says it is still not a permanent solution.

    “None of these systems that we put in place are end all be all fixes. There’s no way because we never know how much rain we’re going to get in a period of time. We never know what’s going to be happening downstream and those conditions, which controls what we can and cannot do,” Jarvis said. “This is a good thing because when we do get authorization to go pump, it should be quicker and faster to get that accomplished.”

    As for Smith, he says he is grateful but encourages leaders to continue looking for a long-term fix — one he would like to see include stricter development guidelines.

    “We’re condensing that natural space where the water needs to go into a lot smaller area,” Smith said.

    He and his neighbors believe that is at the heart of the problem.

    Construction for the pipeline is expected to be complete by 2027. Jarvis says the project would have gotten underway much sooner, but the county first needed the funding.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lake Alfred teacher helps students find passion for agriculture

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    LAKE ALFRED, Fla. — Melanie Carvajal is in her second year teaching, and she’s already making a big impact on her students.

    She is the agriculture teacher at Lake Alfred Polytech Academy.

    What You Need To Know

    • Melanie Carvajal teaches agriculture at Lake Alfred Academy 

    • Carvajal is in her second year of teaching
    • Would you like to nominate an A+ Teacher? Click here

    “Essentially, the kids are getting to learn about animal husbandry so taking care of animals, raising them, as well as how agriculture impacts our life,” said Carvajal.

    Carvajal has created a positive environment in her classroom.

    “Every morning, we have a saying. I say it, and they repeat back to me. We say, ‘Good morning, eyes up, hearts up, mind sharp, compassion on full blast.’ That’s a positive mindset for the day,” said Carvajal.

    “She’s energetic, she’s enthusiastic. She wants to bring the passion to her students,” said Broderick Ogzewalla, the assistant principal.

    Ogzewalla taught agriculture to Carvajal when she was in school, and now things have come full circle.

    “My child is actually a sixth grader and is in her class now. So the lessons that I taught her, she took those, she has her own lessons, and she’s teaching them to my child,” said Ogzewalla.

    She is passionate about agriculture and helping her students learn every aspect of it. Carvajal says her students get to compete in different contests through FFA.

    In addition to learning the material, Carvajal wants her students to leave her class with life lessons.

    “I truly just want them leaving knowing what kindness and respect looks like. They should know how to treat others, how to treat animals, and how to treat themselves truthfully,” said Carvajal.

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    Jorja Roman

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  • New Polk County play café welcomes children of all abilities

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    AUBURNDALE, Fla. — For families of children on the autism spectrum, a trip to the playground can sometimes feel overwhelming.

    What You Need To Know

    • Color Me Included Play Café has opened in Auburndale to provide an inclusive, sensory-friendly indoor playground for children of all abilities

    • Parents of children on the autism spectrum say traditional public spaces can be overwhelming, making safe, structured play environments like this one especially valuable

    • The café was created in response to a growing need, as autism now affects 1 in 31 children, according to the CDC


    But Color Me Included Play Café on Havendale Boulevard offers kids a safe place to explore, while parents can take time to relax. A moment of peace is something resident Kadie Blossom says she doesn’t get very often.

    “There’s always somebody’s need that needs addressing,” she said.

    Like many mothers, Blossom dedicates most of her time to her daughter, Winter, who is on the autism spectrum. While Blossom tries to fill their days, she says taking her daughter into public spaces can be challenging.

    “We can’t take her to the park because she’ll try to run off and leave,” she said. “I’ve been saying for months, I wish I had some place where I can take her where I knew she would be safe and I didn’t have to watch her every move.”

    She says her prayer was answered when she learned about Color Me Included Play Café. Owners Kimberly McLendon and Melissa Arroyo say they opened the inclusive indoor playground about a month ago to help meet a growing need. According to the most recent data from the CDC, 1 in 31 children are diagnosed with autism — five times higher than the rate in 1992.

    “We need more inclusive places, and it is very hard to find, not even in just Polk County, but everywhere,” Arroyo said. “We could use more places where all children with all capabilities can feel more safe and play at ease.”

    To ensure every child feels included, the sisters have a behavioral consultant, Erika Calderon, on site. There is also a sensory-friendly room where kids can take a break. Blossom says it’s one of the few areas where her daughter can play freely on her own terms.

    “We need more places like this. We need places where we can bring our kids and not get stared at, and we need people to be understanding,” she said. “We don’t want to be out with a screaming child either. We’re doing the best we can, and they deserve their place in society too.”

    Learn more about Color Me Included’s services, memberships and programs.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Haines City working to construct more downtown parking as community grows

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — With growth comes traffic, and with traffic comes cars and the need for a place to park them. That’s the dilemma facing Haines City.

    But a solution is on the way. The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency is making way for a new parking area.

    What You Need To Know

    • Brick Heads Florida opened its doors in Haines City in 2024

    • The store says issues with parking are a barrier for customers accessing downtown

    • The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency is looking to eliminate parking issues by adding more parking to downtown


    Piece by piece, putting together Lego sets are therapeutic for Jory Engel.

    “You can kind of sit down, build a Lego set and the entire world fades around you,” he said.

    He is one of the store managers at Brick Heads Florida in Haines City.

    Peyton Derhak is another. Her dad opened the store about a year ago. “We really wanted to give people the ability to be hands on,” she said.

    They are creating a space for people of all ages to enjoy.

    But they said there has been a barrier to making it happen — parking. “People are hesitant when they can’t find parking somewhere to go to that place,” Engel said.

    The manager and consultant for the Community Redevelopment Agency, Dr. Alexander Abraham, said creating more parking is part of a larger project aimed at revitalizing all of Haines City.

    “This is not the end vision for this particular site,” he said. “The surface parking will provide an immediate relief of pressure on merchants while preserving the flexibility that we have of future redevelopment in the area.”

    City leaders say this project also looks ahead to the possibility of a SunRail stop in the city. That project is currently being studied.

    Abraham says the demolition at 401 E. Main St. will make it easier for people to visit and enjoy downtown.

    Derhak said changes to downtown are needed, and she hopes it has a long-term impact that will mean new businesses too.

    “We have a lot of people interested in coming and visiting us,” she said. “It’s definitely up and coming and it feels very homey.”

    As the city continues to grow, so do hopes for a booming downtown and enough space to make everyone feel welcome.

    The Community Redevelopment Agency says there is no exact date for when the parking spaces will be completed but that it will be open sometime this year.

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    Lizbeth Gutierrez

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  • Lakeland recovery home looking to expand to serve more residents

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — One recovery home is looking to expand its services to help both its residents and the community.

    What You Need To Know

    • Addicted to God Ministries was founded in 2024 to help people facing addiction, homelessness and mental health challenges

    • Residents participate in recovery while giving back, helping operate the organization’s food pantry

    • The recovery home is looking to expand its services to better support residents and increase food pantry outreach in the community

    Pastor Lazaro Castellon opened Addicted to God Ministries in 2024 after experiencing a relapse. Since then, he said the faith-based recovery home has helped dozens of people struggling with addiction, homelessness and mental health challenges.

    “I’ve sold my jewelry, I’ve sold things that I have, because for me it’s materialistic things that I don’t need no more, just to see another life change and go in a new direction. The righteous direction,” Castellon said.

    From an early age, resident Chad Case struggled with addiction. After a more than 30-year battle, he said his girlfriend forced him to make a difficult decision in November.

    “Like, ‘A hundred times was a hundred times ago. I love you enough that… if you have to go somewhere, if I got to get you in somewhere and us be not together anymore,’” he said.

    With the help of loved ones, Case found Addicted to God Ministries. While completing the 12 steps of recovery, each resident helps with the organization’s food pantry.

    Donations are currently stored at the recovery home. Recently, Castellon turned to Lakeland city commissioners and asked for help expanding the ministry.

    “Specifically helping securing a warehouse, storefront, or facility, a box truck, or a 15-passenger van. These resources would immediately and directly translate into more food, more outreach, and more lives transformed right here in our city,” he said during a commission meeting.

    Castellon said that includes the lives of those in his home, ultimately providing individuals like Case with a new source of happiness.

    “This is really a place touched by God man. It is,” Case said.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lakeland’s new mayor Sara Roberts McCarley settles into first week

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Just over a week into her term, Lakeland’s new mayor is hitting the ground running.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sara Roberts McCarley is Lakeland’s first woman elected mayor, marking a historic milestone for the city

    • In her first week, she has focused on settling into office, assigning commissioners, and understanding city operations

    • McCarley is emphasizing infrastructure—both in the city at large and within City Hall


    Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley made history as the first woman elected to the position, after serving on the City Commission for about seven years. She won the mayoral election with over 50% of the votes, beating out Cedric Valrie at 19%, Kay Klymko with 17%, and Kaitlin Gracie Kramer at 13%. She raised over $91,000 during her political campaign.

    From settling into her new office to assigning commissioners to their new committees, McCarley says the first few days in office have been dedicated to getting ahead of the curve.

    “Not so much relying on an agenda study to get up to speed on what’s happening in the city, but really being here, being present as often as possible, as daily as possible,” she said.

    Like any new role, McCarley says the highest seat in city government is an adjustment. She believes the city was on the right path under former Mayor Bill Mutz, but she says she’s also looking for areas where improvements can be made. One of the first items on her agenda is infrastructure—both across Lakeland and inside City Hall.

    “When I say infrastructure within City Hall, it is those frameworks of how we tackle issues, but also how we cheerlead,” she said. “How do we talk about our city and the amazing things that happen? How do we provide good services? And if someone calls and has an issue, how do we get to the bottom of the issue and really unearth the best way to help them?”

    In order to lead the city effectively, McCarley says much of that work happens behind the scenes—something she says women often do well.

    “We do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work to make things happen that people might not recognize,” McCarley said. “So we have to have discussions about the nuts and bolts of running a city and then (about) what does it takes. And I think that’s something that I’m very interested in, in doing that behind-the-scenes work to make sure it is taken care of.”

    Ultimately, her focus is on nurturing the city from the inside out.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Lakeland Regional, Tampa General to bring more cancer care to Polk County

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Two major hospitals are preparing to expand cancer treatment options as Polk County continues to see rapid growth.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland Regional Health’s partnership with Tampa General Hospital will bring more oncologists and cancer specialties to Polk County

    • The collaboration is designed to help meet the rising demand for cancer care as Polk County’s population continues to grow

    • The partnership will allow for additional clinical trials, research opportunities and expanded services at the Hollis Cancer Center beginning March 1

    Lakeland Regional Health is teaming up with Tampa General Hospital to bring more oncologists and physicians to the area.

    Polk County resident Lourdes Salgado began treatment at Lakeland Regional Health’s Hollis Cancer Center last year. She says what began as a hospital visit for a stomachache led to a shocking diagnosis.

    “I have stage 4 gallbladder — or had stage 4 gallbladder cancer. After so many tests and scans, they told me, and I just felt like my life was over. That was it,” Salgado said.

    Thankfully, Salgado says months of chemotherapy were not as difficult as she expected. She credits part of that to being able to receive treatment closer to home instead of traveling to Tampa.

    “All I knew about was Moffitt, so I was kind of dreading it,” she said. “Then I found out about Hollis, and my oncologist is here, so that’s been nice.”

    The Hollis Cancer Center treats about 5,000 patients each month. While the center provides care for many types of cancer, some specialties are not currently offered. Through the new partnership with Tampa General Hospital, Lakeland Regional Health President and CEO Danielle Drummond said the hospital will be able to expand its services.

    “We’ll actually be bringing in physicians from the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute to practice here at the Hollis Cancer Center, so patients will have peace of mind knowing they can access high-quality care without having to leave the community,” Drummond said.

    It’s a change Salgado says will make a world of difference during what can often feel like the most difficult journey.

    The partnership will also allow for more clinical trials and research opportunities. Physicians and oncologists from Tampa General Hospital are expected to begin working at the Hollis Cancer Center on March 1.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • 2026 events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day around Tampa Bay

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    BY

    Spectrum News Staff

    Tampa


    PUBLISHED 12:33 PM ET Jan. 14, 2026
    PUBLISHED 12:33 PM EST Jan. 14, 2026

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    Spectrum News Staff

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