Fried Turkey with Watercress and Couscous

Not sure what to cook for dinner tonight? Adam Cole has you covered with this fresh new recipe.

Community Gives More Than $56,000 To Boy Scouts Of Polk County

The Boy Scouts of America in Polk County held a "Low Country Boil" that brought in more money than they expected to support their programs.

$17M Rental Assistance Funding For Residents Impacted By COVID-19

Applications to Polk County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program will soon open to residents behind on rent because of the COVID pandemic.

Lakeland High School Police Academy Accepting Applications

If you're a teenager interested in a law enforcement career, applications are open for the five-day summer police academy training camp.

Report: Solar power now the ‘cheapest electricity in history’

Breaking down the reasons for solar’s surging affordability, especially for Lakeland residents

Kitty Lifesaving Program Launched By Sheriff's Office Partnership

Best Friends Animal Society and the Polk County Sheriff's Office have partnered to save more abandoned kitties in the county.

87 Veterans Will Be Flown From Lakeland To D.C. Tuesday

Mission No. 6 will honor veterans by flying them from Lakeland to Washington, D.C., for a one-day visit to see veteran memorials.

Panther Point Trail Increases To 8 Miles

The newly added trailhead to Panther Point connects Mashall Hampton Reserve to the Fort Fraser Trail, officials said.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 2021: Lakeland Location

Nearly 1 million pounds of prescription drugs were collected during the last take-back event in October 2020.

Dog Found At Crime Scene, Lakeland Police Looking For Its Owner

Lakeland police officers want to reunite a dog they found at a crime scene Saturday with its owner.

Polk Protesters Fly To Minnesota In Wake Of Daunte Wright's Death

A local group of demonstrators, Black Lives Matter Restoration Polk, plan to protest in Brooklyn Center following Daunte Wright's Death

A Second Concealed Weapons Class Open For Registration: Sheriff

Polk residents who are in need of a concealed weapons permit can register for an upcoming training class with the sheriff's office.

Lakeland Eatery Donating All Sales For A Day To Charity

Support premature babies by grabbing a meal from Jersey Mike's in Lakeland on March 31.

Students Help Polk Seniors By Harvesting Collards And Mustards

Auburndale high school students in the Future Farmers of America program donated fresh mustard and collard greens to 300 senior citizens.

Retired Haines City High Coach Honored With School Building

A plaque was presented at ceremony to Coach Olin Gee who dedicated 37 years of coaching and teaching to Polk County students.

Rescue Video: 'Forget Your Purse Let's Go' | Patch PM

Rescued from sinking car | Complaint over elite vaccine clinic | REI opens store | Sprouts grocery stores opening in Florida: Patch PM

Black History Discovery Trail In Lakeland

Lakeland residents can learn about Black leaders who paved the way for future Lakeland generations during racial segregation.

Stories Of Hunger In Polk County Duplicated Across America

The average SNAP benefit in the pandemic is about $2 per person per meal.

Random Acts Of Kindness Day: Help Feed Neighbors In Polk County

Volunteering and supporting food banks in Polk County are among the ways to show kindness on Feb. 17.

Polk County Alumni Dance Under 'Blinding Lights' Of Super Bowl LV

Here's how four locals scored their spots in the performance of the year.

2 FBI Agents Gunned Down, 3 Others Wounded In FL | Patch PM

Super Bowl game snacks, police salute for Bucs, fan experience | Deadly day for FBI | Student poet featured at festival: Patch PM

Black History Month Interactive Banners In Downtown Winter Haven

In honor of Black History month, Winter Haven has installed banners that feature Black heroes throughout downtown.

How New Executive Orders Will Help The Hungry In Lakeland

President Joe Biden on Friday issued two executive orders to help feed millions of Americans and revive a troubled U.S. economy.

Polk County Youth Fair Will Be Mostly Virtual

Polk County Public School will limit its involvement in the upcoming Youth Fair for coronavirus safety precautions.

MLK Day 2021: Here's What's Open, Closed In Lakeland

Some services will be closed for the federal holiday commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.

Sheriff Judd Swears In Historic Oath

Sheriff Grady Judd swore in a historic oath as Polk County's only sheriff to ever be elected to five terms.

Deadly Fishing Trip, Crime: Top Stories In Lakeland For 2020

While the coronavirus pandemic was big news in Lakeland this year, Patch readers were also interested in other stories.

$2.5 Million For Polk Residents Behind On Rent Due To COVID-19

Polk County residents who were financially impacted by COVID-19 and behind on rent and mortgage can apply for funds to get caught up.

Christmas Bird Count: How To Find An Active Circle Near Lakeland

The Audubon Society's Christmas Bird Count will go from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5.

Tornado Recovery In Polk County Underway: Sheriff

Several Polk County agencies, along with neighbors, have begun cleanup work after several homes sustained tornado damage.

Santa Delivers $20,000 To Local Area Nonprofits For COVID Help

Two Lakeland nonprofits received $10,000 from AT&T for assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.

As Puppy Scams Peak, Adopt A Pet Instead At A Local Shelter

A spike in pet scams continues amid the COVID-19 pandemic and as the holidays approach in the Lakeland area.

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires In Lakeland Homes

Consumers nationwide are more likely to pick up a real Christmas tree this year. Here’s how to keep your family safe from a tree fire.

$87,000 Raised For Kids At Hearing Center By Polk County Officer

A Polk County Sheriff's Office lieutenant raised more than $87,000 for the Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center in a charity event.

USPS Operation Santa: How To Mail A Letter In Lakeland

Many U.S. kids could go without gifts Christmas. The Postal Service’s Operation Santa program wants your help keeping Santa’s magic alive.

Free Coffee For Front-Line Workers At Starbucks In Lakeland

Starbucks will offer free coffee for all front-line workers through the end of 2020.

Holiday Shipping Deadlines Are Approaching In Lakeland

Here are the deadlines in Lakeland to send holiday packages in time for delivery by Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25.

Cops For Kids Toy Donations In Lakeland

The Lakeland Police Department is hosting Cops for Kids to provide toys to children who are in struggling families this holiday season.

How To Avoid Black Friday Scams In Lakeland

Consumers in Lakeland can take certain steps to lessen the chance of falling victim to a scam.

Where To Get Real Christmas Trees In Polk County

If you're looking for a healthy Christmas tree, here's where you can find a real tree in Polk County this holiday season.

Travel Like A Local: Submit Your Town For Our 2018 Travel Guide

Whether you've got the best brewery around or a music festival that rivals Coachella, tell us why your town should be a destination in 2018.