3+ day, 22+ hour ago   (659+ words) Lakeland commissioners appear poised to maintain the city’s 5.4323 millage rate, despite uncertainty created by Amendment 3, a Florida ballot measure that could reduce the city’s property-tax revenue by an estimated $14.5 million annually. In special budget hearings set for Sept. 10 and Sept....

5+ day, 20+ hour ago   (951+ words) Violating water-restriction policies is going to get more expensive, while Lakeland Electric customers will see a lower fuel charge, following the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Leaders also discussed the rising volume of travelers through Lakeland’s city-owned airport and…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago   (1359+ words) Southeastern University (SEU) has announced that more than 14,500 students are enrolled this fall, a new record following 15 years of growth. On Aug. 14, The Chronicle of Higher Education ranked SEU as the nation’s fourth-fastest-growing private doctoral university. During Ingle’s tenure as…...

3+ week, 7+ hour ago   (850+ words) As more than 116,400 Polk County students head back to school, many families scramble for after-school care. Private childcare and after-school care frequently costs hundreds of dollars a month per child. Across Polk County, 61% of households face financial hardship and over…...