LAKELAND

Publix is a one-stop shop for all your party needs but for Publix fanatics, you may want to see about hiring a Lakeland mom to be your next party planner.

A Lakeland Walmart will temporarily close Thursday as the store is sanitized due to increasing COVID-19 cases in the area, a spokesperson said.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Law enforcement is asking drivers to use more caution in the new year after two people died Saturday afternoon in Polk County in two separate crashes. The first crash occurred around 4:05 p.m. on U.S. Highway 27 just south of Bella Citta Boulevard. READ: Florida doctor charged in 2019 road rage killing said he was having bad day, cops sayPolk County deputies said 83-year-old Davenport resident Helen McDonald was heading south on U.S. Highway 27 when she lost control of her car. McDonald crossed the grass medium and all northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27 before crashing into a power pole. READ: Woman and two boys hospitalized after Saturday night shooting in Orlando, police sayThe driver of the SUV, 52-year-old Lakeland resident Michael Monroe, was killed in the crash.

LAKELAND, Fla. — (AP) — The Publix grocery store chain will start offering paid parental leave to employees who are new parents, company officials announced Wednesday. READ: Publix heiress Carol Jenkins Barnett dead at 65The change in benefits was first reported by Florida Politics. The new benefits come as retailers across the U.S. are facing a worker shortage, and some are offering new benefits to attract or retain workers. St. Louis-based Schnucks recently gave its grocery store workers a one-time retention bonus of $600. The email didn’t offer details on how much paid time off new parents would get.

3 officers taken to hospital after rescuing residents from apartment fire in LakelandPOLK COUNTY, Fla. — Six people, including three officers with the Lakeland Police Department, were taken to a hospital after an apartment fire Thursday morning. Three Lakeland police officers arrived at the complex and helped to extinguish the fire before firefighters arrived. Photos: 3 officers taken to hospital after rescuing residents from apartment fire in LakelandExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 3 officers taken to hospital after rescuing residents from apartment fire in LakelandA second-floor apartment was damaged by fire and three people inside were given CPR before they were taken to a hospital for treatment. READ: 1,280 JetBlue flights canceled through mid-January due to omicronThe three officers were also taken to a hospital, but no details were released on their condition. The American Red Cross was also contacted to help residents displaced by the fire.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Lakeland man has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter after a deadly crash, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. The crash occurred at around 7:37 a.m. on U.S. 98 North, about a mile north of State Road 471. WATCH: Police: Armed man shot by Orlando officers after attempted carjackingDeputies said Waters complained of general pain and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Deputies executed a search warrant for a blood sample, which will be sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for analysis. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Officials at the Publix grocery store chain says that they will start offering paid parental leave to employees who are new parents.

Deputies arrest “grinch” who stole family’s Christmas presents Detectives say 28-year-old Raheim Jamaar Johnson was the man caught on video breaking into a Lakeland home and making off with presents and other items. (Polk County Sheriff)POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Sheriff’s deputies in Polk County, Florida, have arrested the “Grinch” who they say stole a family’s Christmas last week. When she returned home she found her front door open and all the wrapped Christmas presents missing. Read: Lakeland man charged with DUI-manslaughter in fatal Polk County crashJohnson was booked into the Polk County Jail and held without bond. Surveillance photos released by Polk County Sheriff's Office.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Lakeland man is facing felony charges in connection with a fatal crash along U.S. 98 in Polk County Tuesday morning. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Read: Deputies: Driver who killed 2 children, struck 4 others in hit-and-run crash arrestedLakeland man charged with DUI-Manslaughter in fatal Polk County crash Waters faces charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury and resisting arrest. (Polk County Sheriff)According to investigators, Waters’ trailer became unstable and crossed over into the northbound lane and struck the box truck at the driver’s door. The driver of the box truck, a 44-year-old Lakeland man, died at the scene. Read: Man shot by officers in Orlando neighborhoodWaters faces charges of DUI-manslaughter, DUI with serious bodily injury, and resisting arrest.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Sheriff’s deputies in Polk County, Florida, are asking for help finding a man who broke into a home and stole all the presents out from under the Christmas tree. >> Read more trending newsInvestigators say the thief broke into the Lakeland home Monday just moments after the owner left, WFLA reported. Judd said the man took several trips in and out of the house, eventually stealing a television and other items totaling $1,600. “I want him to wake up in the county jail on Christmas. Give me that for my Christmas present please,” asked Judd.

A man stole Christmas gifts and other items from a Lakeland home Monday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

A Lakeland woman was arrested Wednesday after allegedly driving under the influence in a crash that left a 22-year-old dead earlier this year, Polk County deputies said.

Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting of a man who they said broke into a Lakeland home Tuesday afternoon.

Polk County sheriff's detectives said Ayanna Davis admitted to having sex with the student — reported to be 16 years of age or younger — four times.

A substitute English teacher is accused of having sex with a Lakeland High School student, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Substitute teacher charged with sexual battery on student Investigators say 20-year-old Ayanna Davis of Lakeland admitted to having sex with a student on four separate occasions off campus. (Polk County Sheriff)POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County substitute teacher was arrested Friday after deputies said she sexually battered a student. Detectives said the investigation began after a Lakeland High School student told them about a video on Snapchat showing the teacher and another student having sex. Investigators say 20-year-old Ayanna Davis of Lakeland admitted to having sex with a student on four separate occasions off campus. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Police: Student arrested after threatening school shooting in DelandSheriff Grady Judd said Davis used her position of authority to take advantage of the student.

LAKELAND, Fla. — (AP) — The billionaire daughter of the Publix Super Markets founder has died after having early-onset Alzheimer's Disease, the company announced Wednesday. Carol Jenkins Barnett was 65. Barnett died Tuesday night at her home in Lakeland, Florida, Publix said in a news release. Barnett was one of seven children of Publix founder George W. Jenkins, who died in 1996. “The Publix family is deeply saddened by the loss of a great humanitarian and community advocate,” said Publix CEO Todd Jones.

The billionaire daughter of the Publix Super Markets founder has died after having early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease.

The billionaire daughter of the Publix Super Markets founder has died after having early-onset Alzheimer's Disease, the company announced Wednesday. Carol Jenkins Barnett was 65. Barnett died Tuesday night at her home in Lakeland, Florida, Publix said in a news release.

The heiress to the Publix Super Markets franchise died on Tuesday at the age of 65, according to a news release from the grocery store chain.

Why are there scales inside Publix stores, and are they going away?

LAKELAND, Fla. — An investigation is underway in Polk County following an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Sunday morning. When officers arrived at the scene, they located a man sitting in his car in the construction zone. Read: Cold front arrives overnight, keeping temperatures on the chilly sideAccording to police, at some point, the man grabbed a handgun and pointed it at officers. Read: Man and woman found shot inside car that crashed into building in Orange County, deputies sayFearing for their safety, officers returned fired, shooting and killing the 61-year-old driver, police said. Both officers will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation, per department policy.

Police officers in Central Florida fatally shot a man who pointed a gun at them as they were investigating reports of a suspicious car parked in a construction zone along I-4.

Florida's population has increased by about 22% to 21.5 million people, but the number of people being Baker Acted has skyrocketed by 121%.

Deputies say 46-year-old Lucretia Bruno of Lakeland was driving west on I-4 near the 10th St. overpass when she hit two other cars that had stopped for an earlier crash. See map of crash location below:The driver of the pickup, who had been standing outside the driver’s door, was hit by Bruno’s car and thrown onto the car’s windshield. Deputies say Bruno then crashed into the Mustang, throwing the pickup truck’s driver from the hood of her car into the rear bumper of the Mustang. Read: Florida man hits woman with sock full of rocks during robberyThe driver of the pick-up truck died at the scene. Read: ‘I had to save my mom’: 9-year-old Florida girl fights off robberBruno was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of DUI manslaughter and two counts of DUI with property damage.

The Florida-based hurricane hunter team is getting an upgrade to its fleet.

Two Florida-based grocery chains are limiting the number of items sold to customers ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday.

New details are emerging about the newest dozen police officers lauded by Gov. Ron DeSantis for moving to Central Florida from New York City to escape what the governor described as low morale and a lack of support from Democratic politicians there.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Publix announced that it would offer a discount for veterans, active military and their families this Veterans Day. >>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<Read: IRS sends out new batch of corrected tax returns; refunds averaging nearly $1,200The Florida-based grocery chain said the discount was a token of appreciation for their military service. Read: Recall alert: Tesla recalls 12K vehicles over software issuePublix said customers can save 10% on in-store grocery purchases by showing their veteran or military ID card, discharge document or a driver’s license with veteran designation at checkout. Read: Man lives out dream to wrestle with WWE superstars while visiting Orlando with wife on honeymoonMore information about the discount can be found here. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Voters in several municipalities in Polk County will cast their ballots in the Tuesday, Nov. 2 election.

Ashley Butler never imagined she would have to wait nearly half a year for unemployment benefits the state confirmed she is entitled to.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced on Thursday that the state is filing a lawsuit against President Joe Biden’s administration over COVID-19 vaccine mandates for federal contractors. The two had previously said that they would seek legal action against the Biden administration. Florida Sues Biden Over Vaccine Mandate The State of Florida files a lawsuit against the Biden Administration to challenge their unconstitutional federal contractor vaccine mandate. Posted by Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, October 28, 2021©2021 Cox Media Group

Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to hold a news briefing at the Florida Air Museum in Lakeland Thursday.

Huddle up! Here’s a look back at this weekend on the gridiron, with three key takeaways from the state’s football scene.

Man charged with murder after woman dies in Florida biker shootout on I-4, sheriff saysLAKELAND, Fla. — A Cocoa man is facing murder charges after a woman riding on his motorcycle died following a high-speed shootout with a rival biker gang, authorities said. Ronald Donovan, who is jailed without bond, was scheduled to have an initial court appearance Saturday. READ: Teen killed in possible accidental shooting, police sayInvestigators said the shooting began when members of the Thug Riders passed the Sin City Deciples on the interstate. Donovan allegedly shot and wounded a Thug Rider in a battle between motorcycles at speeds of more than 100 mph, leaving bullet casings scattered on the highway. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

Publix plans to hire about 30,000 associates across the company’s seven-state operating area through the rest of the year, the Lakeland-based grocery store chain announced Monday. Publix said it will hire associates to work in stores, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities for nonseasonal positions. Associates have the opportunity to become company owners through its employee stock ownership and purchase plans. Publix also provides tuition reimbursement and are “encouraged to prepare for opportunities to advance their careers with the company,” it said in a news release. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

An undercover investigation led by Polk County Sheriff's Office led to the arrest of 16 suspects for possessing, creating and sharing child thousands of child pornography files.

Lakeland man arrested for the murder of girlfriend

Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for a 33-year-old former Marine accused of massacring a Florida family under the delusion that they were child sex traffickers.

Ron DeSantis on Monday warned city and county officials in his state that if they require any employee to have a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment they would face a $5,000 fine for each violation. Several school districts have ignored the law and some county education administrators have had their pay suspended over the issue. Several Orange County firefighters joined DeSantis at the press conference on Monday. The firefighters are among nearly 3,500 union personnel who have been negotiating with Orange County to avoid being forced to get a COVID-19 vaccine. “It could be a lot of money, yes, no question about it,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said.

Reflecting on brother's 9/11 death

Erie County Board of Elections votes not to certify the General Election ballot yet.

Ron DeSantis’ proposed $5,000 bonus for all new officers in the state is widely seen as a boost to agencies struggling to fill their positions, particularly by those within the law enforcement industry. In our upcoming legislative session, I will be prioritizing 3 programs that will focus on recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers. A few miles away, Osceola County Sheriff Marco Lopez said word of the bonus was already attracting applicants from states where law enforcement was more politically toxic. Still, it was a good component to have, he explained, along with a good benefits package and a competitive salary. “We do have a lot of support from our leaders, which makes being a law enforcement officer a lot easier than other places,” he said.

According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Riley told interrogators that the victims “begged for their lives, and I killed them anyway.””He is evil in the flesh,” Judd said. Riley, who lives 30 miles away, told Gleason that God had sent him to prevent a suicide by someone named Amber. Gleason and one of the other victims told Riley no one by that name lived there and asked him to leave. Still, one officer rushed in and grabbed the wounded girl, who told authorities there were three dead people inside. Now, ”he’s a cold-blooded killer.”___Spencer, Frisaro and Associated Press reporter Kelli Kennedy reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida is set to offer $5,000 signing bonuses for new law enforcement hires across the state, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced during a news conference in Lakeland on Tuesday. DeSantis said the state wants to prove that it is supportive of those in uniform. State Attorney Ashley Moody said the state is working on coming up with creative ways to fill law enforcement vacancies. READ: Florida motorcyclist killed when rear bumper falls off car in front of him“Florida is now the most pro law enforcement state in the nation,” Moody said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis visits Lakeland.

Police were on the scene within six minutes, but Grady said they found no trace of the suspect. When they circled to the back, they encountered the shooter and exchanged heavy gunfire, before the suspect retreated back into the home. Everything fell silent, Judd said, except for the helicopter blades overhead, until the suspect came out to surrender. His vehicle had also been stocked with supplies for a gunfight, authorities said, including bleeding control kits. “They had to fight with him again in the emergency room,” Grady said, before he was ultimately tied down and medicated.

ORLANDO, Fla. — With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, you may be wondering where you can get tested in Central Florida. Orange CountyOsceola CountyTo find more locations, click here. Brevard CountyVolusia CountySeminole CountyTo find more locations, click here. Watson Clinic Urgent Care South, 1033 N Parkway Frontage Rd, Lakeland. Watson Clinic XpressCare Highlands, 2300 E. County Road 540A, Lakeland Highlands.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Lakeland Saturday to announce the opening of another monoclonal antibody treatment center.

A Florida doctor has been successfully treating long-hauler patients, already discharging 40 from her clinic. The problem? Her waitlist is six-months long.

Wrestling promotion Ring of Honor has announced a return to Central Florida at the tail end of this summer with a live pay-per-view taping scheduled...

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigators have arrested a man they say hit two teens with his truck on Independence Day, killing one, before leaving the scene. Matthew David O’Neill faces charges that include leaving the scene of a crash involving death and tampering with evidence, both first-degree felonies. According to the sheriff’s office, the two victims, both 14-year-old girls, were walking home from a party and not impeding traffic in any way when they were struck. Investigators also noted the pieces of grill found at the scene matched with the truck at O’Neill’s home. Matthew David O'Neill Winter Haven man arrested for July 4th hit-and-run that killed teen girl, injured anotherO’Neill initially told detectives he was never in Lakeland on July 4th, and that the damage to his grill was from a crash on July 6th in Winter Haven, but surveillance video proved that to be a lie, according to the sheriff’s office.

Cryptozoologists, investigators and mythbusters alike are heading south for the summer to the Great Florida Bigfoot Conference, going down in Lakeland in July. (Surely a...

A Florida youth pastor is accused of trying to have sex with a 17-year-old girl in his youth group after discussing sexual fantasies and driving the two to a hotel, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

From Lake Nona to Lakeland, Winter Park to Winter Garden, AdventHealth Centra Care is now offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at seven locations starting on Monday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis isn’t wavering from his anti-vaccination “passport” stance as a cruise line has received federal approval to set sail from a Florida port next month, if passengers and crew members are vaccinated against COVID-19.

DeSantis said he is asking the Biden administration to approve Florida’s proposal ASAP and help providing savings to Florida taxpayers.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law aimed at fighting back against people using websites to run scams with claims to offer access to the COVID-19 vaccine or personal protective equipment.

Brittney Medina, 35, was arrested Tuesday night.

Surgeons at the hospital said that the girl received severe damage to her internal organs

An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested in the pellet gun shooting of three children at Highland City Ballpark in Lakeland, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida-based grocery chain Publix announced Friday that masks and face-coverings will no longer be required for fully vaccinated customers or employees. Breaking: Starting tomorrow Publix will no longer require masks for fully vaccinated people. Walmart and Costco, which also sell groceries, announced Friday that people fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will be able to shop without masks. She didn’t say how Publix would verify whether or not shoppers are fully vaccinated. Publix has required masks since July 2020.

Emma Lynn Carter, 16, was reported missing Tuesday morning.

A Lakeland woman sat underneath a semi-truck belonging to a moving company with a toddler after they wouldn’t accept a certified check for payment and pinched the child to get the toddler to cry.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will make an announcement in Polk County.

A plane landed next to the Polk Parkway Thursday, briefly closing the road to traffic, according to Lakeland Police.

LAKELAND, Fla. – In a field currently dominated by men, one Florida film is encouraging young girls and women to fly to new heights by telling the stories of passionate female aviators and showcasing the next generation aspiring to be one of them. Wiatt remembers when Central Florida organization Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo came to her school to do a presentation and a female pilot came along. She is also among the extraordinary group of diverse girls and women pushing for representation in the aviation industry. And I think women especially are really created to be hard workers and to do the hard stuff. For more stories celebrating local Florida women and their legacies, check out clickorlando.com’s Women’s History Month section.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone takes a drink of water during a spring training exhibition baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla., Tuesday, March 9, 2021. “Just a lot different, honestly,” Boone said before Sunday’s road game against the Toronto Blue Jays. “So I can’t like lift weights like I normally do but that will be hopefully a few more weeks. AdNOTES: Boone said INF-OF Miguel Andújar (sore right hand and wrist) and C Robinson Chirinos (broken right wrist) will both see a hand specialist on Monday. Andújar first felt discomfort taking a swing in a winter league game.

This photos from the warrant show her inside the Capitol building on Jan. 6, according to the FBI. Her first appearance in D.C. federal court will be March 15. On Dec. 16, Montoni posted to Instagram, “Trump is our leader. Pence refused to hear the objections and now we surrounded the Capitol building. Let’s go!”The day of Jan. 6 Montoni posted to Parler, “Insurrection is coming.

LAKELAND, Fla. – A Florida police officer fatally shot a man Sunday seconds after the man had fatally shot a woman, authorities said. When they arrived, they found Howayne T. Gayle, 35, pointing a gun at a 37-year-old woman in the parking lot, officials said. When the woman, whose name was not released, saw the officers, she started toward them, according to authorities. Gayle shot her, police said. Officer Brent Behrens immediately shot Gayle, who died at the scene.

LAKELAND, Fla. – Doug Veal, 46, of Lakeland was able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine a day after the Florida Department of Health released the eligibility form for “extremely vulnerable” patients. The Lakeland man said he used a letter he received from his physician to obtain a vaccine from CVS. [RELATED: Florida releases eligibility form for ‘extremely vulnerable’ patients for COVID-19 vaccine]CLICK HERE FOR THE FORMAdThe 46-year-old said he is in the latest priority group for people deemed extremely vulnerable by a doctor. The prioritization requires “medically vulnerable” patients to provide a state-issued form found on the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) homepage. “The state is asking folks to fill out a specific form that was published by the Florida Department of Health.

Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies made an arrest in a homicide investigation after a young man’s body was found in a swamp. David Anthony Garcia, of Lakeland, surrendered to deputies Thursday, the day after the body of Charlie Roberts Jr., 18, was found in Green Swamp Wildlife Management Area, according to a news release. Victim: Charlie RobertsInvestigators said the 19-year-old suspect was last seen with the victim on Tuesday in Lakeland. When the victim’s family reported him missing, cell phone records led deputies to the Green Swamp WMA, records show. After an extensive search of the 50,000-acre swamp, Roberts was found on Wednesday, deputies said, shot to death.

LAKELAND, Fla. – A human trafficking suspect tricked an 18-year-old Lakeland woman he met on a dating app into thinking he wanted to be her boyfriend so he could instead take her to Miami and force her into prostitution, according to prosecutors. Both are facing human trafficking charges. Once there, he told the victim he ran an escort service and introduced her to Thomas, according to the report. Hopson is accused of sexually abusing the victim before driving her back to Lakeland. Both are facing charges of human trafficking, forcing someone into prostitution, renting space to be used for prostitution, deriving support from proceeds of prostitution and unlawful used of a communications device.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A suspected robber was arrested in Lakeland Saturday and using the suspect’s footwear, detectives were able to connect him to a similar crime that happened days earlier. Lakeland police and Polk County deputies spoke with Welch and he admitted to both robberies and assaulting clerks at both stores, according to a news release. We’re especially grateful to the citizen who saw something and said something,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. From Lakeland police he is charged with armed robbery, false imprisonment, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, cocaine possession and paraphernalia possession. AdThe Polk County Sheriff’s Office has charged Welch with armed robbery and armed burglary with assault.

Ebony Chaney, 34, of Lake Wales - Charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, obtaining property by fraud, grand theft and cheating/gross fraud. Phyllis Tirado, 49, of Lake Wales - Charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, obtaining property by fraud and cheating/gross fraud. Takila McBurrows, 36, of Lake Wales - Charged with obtaining property by fraud, grand theft and criminal use of personal ID. AdTashai Newman, 43, of Winter Haven - Charged with obtaining property by fraud, grand theft and criminal use of personal ID. Derrick Dawsey, 50, of Lake Wales - Charged with obtaining property by fraud, grand theft and criminal use of personal ID.

LAKELAND, Fla. – A Florida city is planning to formally recognize May 20 as the date slaves were emancipated in the state. The Lakeland City Commission plans to approve a resolution Monday declaring May 20 as Florida Emancipation Day, The Ledger in Lakeland reported. It’s earlier than the Juneteenth date in which slaves in Texas were informed on June 19, 1865, that they were free. In Florida, the date was May 20, 1865, when Union Brigadier Gen. Edward McCook formally announced President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation from the steps of the Knott House in Tallahassee. Lakeland commissioner Philip Walker says there are efforts around Florida to have cities and counties recognize May 20 as the date of slave emancipation in the state.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A custodian at a Lakeland elementary school is accused of grabbing a woman by her neck during a domestic dispute, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. News 6 is not naming the suspect in order to protect the identity of the victim. The man is facing a domestic violence charge of battery on a person over the age of 65. In this particular case, this man was arrested for a violent act. Losing his temper and becoming violent is not acceptable behavior for anyone, especially someone who is around a lot of children each day,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a news release.

click image Photo courtesy Publix/FacebookPublix founder George Jenkins died in 1996, but his wealthy, mostly Lakeland-based children are still very much involved in the political arena, including recently dumping hundreds of thousands of dollars into Georgia’s hotly contested Senate race.A review of Federal Election Commission (FEC) records show that former Publix chairperson Carol Barnett Jenkins donated a total of $110,000 to Georgia Republican election efforts in 2020.According to FEC filings , on Oct. 16 Jenkins made a $10,000 donation to Sen. David Perdue’s PAC, Perdue Victory Inc. Then, on Nov. 17, Jenkins dumped another $100,000 into the Senate Georgia Battleground Fund, which benefits both Perdue and Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler and has so far spent over $50 million in advertising for the Georgia GOP’s voter turnout operation.This isn’t the first time Carol Barnett Jenkins has thrown an insane amount of money into a political fight. In 2016, she also donated $800,000 to a conservative-led campaign fighting to keep medical marijuana illegal in Florida.Pumping money into politics is not unusual for the George Jenkins family tree. According to the Miami New Times , multiple Publix offspring maxed out federal donations to Trump's 2020 campaign, including the founder's other daughter, Julia Jenkins Fancelli, and his grandchildren Gregory Fancelli and Leslie Fancelli Sonatori.As a company, Publix has a long history of donating to conservative politicians. In 2018, Publix donated an unprecedented $670,000 to self-described "proud NRA sellout" Adam Putnam's campaign for Florida governor.There’s also the Lakeland-based grocer’s very on-brand history of fighting minimum wage increases suing cities that try to ban single-use plastic , and refusing to cover "pre-exposure prophylaxis"(or PrEP) drugs that prevent HIV-negative people from contracting the virus simply because they didn’t want to

click image Photo courtesy Publix/FacebookThe family of a Florida Publix employee who died of COVID-19 in April has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Lakeland-based grocery chain. On March 27-28, he worked alongside a co-worker who was showing symptoms of COVID-19, and who later tested positive. “The sudden passing of our father has been a devastating loss to our family,” daughter Ariane Gutierrez said in a statement. “Our family is in shock that Publix would prevent its employees from staying safe. And it wasn't until July that customers were required to wear masks at Publix stores.

LAKELAND, Fla. – A Florida high school teacher, soccer coach and church youth leader has been charged with 408 counts of child pornography possession, authorities said Saturday. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said at a news conference that 46-year-old Shawn Fitzgerald possessed hundreds of pornographic images on his cellphone. Judd said it didn't appear that the images were locally produced or that Fitzgerald had harmed any children himself. The images depict children as young as 10 months old being sexually abused by adults and engaging in acts with other children, the sheriff said. Fitzgerald teaches at Lakeland High School and has coached the boy’s soccer team there since 2014.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Two teenagers are accused of changing direct deposit information so that paychecks that were meant for Lowe’s employees were instead deposited into accounts they controlled, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said the investigation began on Sept. 22 when the manager at Lowe’s on Lake Highlands Road in Lakeland notified them about possible payroll fraud. Smith and Sivley would then move the money to cash apps and use it to buy cellphones they sold on eBay, according to authorities. Deputies said the two suspects stole $11,795 from three employees’ payroll accounts. I can tell you that is not the case, and we will do everything we can to hold them accountable,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.

Danne Frazier was found dead last week in an orange grove off Helicopter Road in Lake Wales, according to the sheriff’s office. On Saturday, both brothers were taken into custody in Lake Wales by Polk County deputies. According to the arrest affidavit, Jo and Angel Lobato attacked the victim, choking him and hitting him with a bat. The suspects told detectives they cut Frazier with a knife before leaving his body in an orange grove. Both suspects were booked into the Polk County Jail on first-degree murder and ordered held without bail.

LAKELAND, Fla. – A 36-year-old man has been arrested in the deaths of a former Lakeland city commissioner and her husband during an attempted robbery at their home, police said. The son went inside the home, but backed out and called police after seeing it was in disarray, Taylor said. Investigators believe David Henderson went out Tuesday morning to pick up breakfast. When he returned home, he apparently set the table, with the food still in bags, and went upstairs to find his wife. “We believe he came home after buying breakfast and his wife had already been killed upstairs," Taylor said.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – After a 21-year-old Winter Haven man was found dead in an orange grove Tuesday, Polk County Sheriff’s Office officials say he was likely the victim of a homicide. Danne Frazier was found dead in an orange grove off Helicopter Road in Lake Wales, according to the sheriff’s office. An autopsy will be performed Friday to determined his cause of death, however, deputies say the circumstances surrounding his death are suspicious. “As you might imagine, this is a difficult time for the family of Danne Frazier and the Publix family as well. "He was brutally murdered, and then dumped in an orange grove, and his family deserves justice.”Anyone with information about Frazier’s disappearance and death is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.

click to enlarge Photo via PublixAt first, Publix employees werent allowed to wear face masks or gloves because they could scare away customers . Now, the Lakeland-based grocery chain is selling their own branded masks.The green reusable face masks are being sold on their online shop for $15.95 for two , or $67.79 for ten masks . Designed for everyday use, not medical grade.Features elastic loops to hold in place. Made in USA. Masks are not medical grade and have not been approved or endorsed by the CDC. Manufacturer makes no representations, express or implied, as to the efficacy of these masks against preventing the spread of any contagions.Shipping is free for the mask, with a $7 discount applied at checkout.

click to enlarge AdobeIn an effort to keep fingers off keypads during the coronavirus outbreak, Publix announced Friday that theyre finally accepting Apple Pay and other forms of mobile payment. In a statement released April 2, the Lakeland-based grocer said it will roll out contactless payments including Apple, Google and Samsung options at all of its store locations by April 4. In these unprecedented times, we recognized the need to make our customers trips to our stores faster and more efficient, said Publix CEO Todd Jones in the statement. By expediting this payment option, we will help customers reduce contact with commonly used surfaces like PIN pads.Earlier this week, Publix said they will start offering paid sick leave to associates who test positive for the virus, and allow some employees to wear gloves and masks. The company also previously announced that that would also install plexiglass barriers at registers, customer service desks and pharmacies.

petition is also circulating that calls for Publix to provide hazard pay. Consider supporting local journalism. Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Central Florida. Unlike many newspapers, ours is free and we'd like to keep it that way, because we believe, now more than ever, everyone deserves access to accurate, independent coverage of their community. Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Orlandos true free press

click to enlarge Photo via Publix/Facebookclick to enlarge Photo via Publix/FacebookEarlier this week, Lakeland-based grocer giant Publix announced that an employee has tested positive for COVID-19. If that happens, they cannot return to work for 72 hours, said Brous.However, a recent article said that Publix has an estimated 89,000 employees without paid sick leave. recently spoke with Publix employees, who say theyve been sent home for wearing face masks because they might scare away customers.One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was personally told by a manager not to wear gloves on the floor. Some people are scared, said the employee, adding that many associates (of all ages) have since quit over coronavirus concerns.Publix employees have, however, been compensated with $50 gift cards.On Wednesday, Publix announced that it would install plexiglass barriers at registers, customer service desks and pharmacies. The company added that these barriers will take up to two weeks to install at company locations.

And during that span, area programs delivered six state championships Leesburgs boys team won titles in 2011, 2017 and 2018; Wildwoods girls earned back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018; and, the Wildwood boys won it all in 2018. Marcus Niblack, in his final game at Wildwood, led all scorers with 27 points and Buster Corbin added nine. Ricardo Wright, in his final game with the Buffalo, led all scorers with 28 points. OCP will host Ocoee Central Florida Christian Academy in Fridays regional championship game. Its losses were to CFCA in the District 10 championship game and OCP.

Six boys basketball teams from Lake and Sumter counties will continue towards next months state finals in Lakeland later this week when regional play begins. Six area boys basketball programs begin play Thursday in the Florida High School Athletic Association regional playoffs, based winning district tournaments and rankings. Wildwood and The Villages will host opening-round games as district champions in classes 1A and 4A, respectively, while Leesburg, Eustis, Mount Dora Christian Academy and First Academy of Leesburg earned at-large bids based on MaxPreps computer rankings. The four highest-ranked teams in each region which did not win district titles earned at-large bids. A win would catapult Wildwood in the regional finals against Pahokee or Hawthorne (21-3).

The competition, called We the People, was hosted in Lakeland on Jan. 31 by the Center for Civic Education, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in California. CLERMONT East Ridge Middle School brought home several awards from their state-level competition in a national civics focused contest at the end of January, the district said Thursday. The competition, called We the People, was hosted in Lakeland on Jan. 31 by the Center for Civic Education, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in California. East Ridge Middle, the first Lake County public school to compete at the state level, has three classes participate. Teacher Michele Bodziochs team earned an honorable mention in the overall team competition and Best in the State for Unit 4.Teacher Emily Onspaughs team won Best in the State for Unit 5.Teacher Joseph Habers team won the Professionalism award and Best in the State for Unit 6.

click to enlarge Photo via Florida House of RepresentativesSen. Kelli Stargel, R-LakelandFloridians wouldnt be able to know the birthdates or some family details of legislators and state Cabinet members, under a Senate proposal that advanced along party lines Tuesday.The Ethics and Elections Committee voted 4-3 to support the proposal (SB 832), filed by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland. Years ago, it was a little more difficult to find out where an individual lived, Stargel said. You had to go to a community, maybe get the phone book, go get an actual public record. The measure would also shield from public records the names and locations of schools and day-care facilities attended by the children of lawmakers.House and Senate websites currently list the birthdays, if not the years of birth, for many lawmakers, along with the names of their spouses and children. The House and Senate also often list lawmakers occupations, educational backgrounds, religious affiliations and recreational interests.

She and other supporters of the bill say parents need to be involved in minors decisions about having abortions.Thats not an anniversary that I actually look to, so I actually didnt even know that was actually occurring, Stargel said. Again, I think this is strengthening the family and making sure that when you have those difficult situations that there is a conversation. A discussion.Wednesdays vote positions the bill to go to the Senate floor and keeps the measure on track to pass during this years legislative session, handing conservatives a victory ahead of the November elections. Physicians who perform abortions without parental consent could be charged with a third-degree felony.The proposal includes a judicial-bypass process that would allow teens to have abortions without getting parental consent. But supporters of this years proposal have expressed confidence that it would be upheld, at least in part because of a new conservative majority on the court.The Senate bill also would increase criminal penalties for people who don't follow the states Infants Born Alive law.

Lakeland police issued a silver alert for retired Deputy Chief Clarence Grier, who was last seen in Lakeland on Wednesday. He was found, safe, in St. Petersburg. LAKELAND A retired Lakeland police chief who was the subject of a two-day silver alert was found safe at a Wawa store in St. Petersburg early Friday evening. Lakeland police had issued a silver alert for retired Deputy Chief Clarence Grier, who was last seen in Lakeland leaving a residence near W. 8th Street about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Lakeland Police Chief Ruben Garcia made a video to share to help find the man they called "friend."

Lakeland police have issued a silver alert for retired Deputy Chief Clarence Grier, who was last seen in Lakeland on Wednesday. Lakeland police have issued a silver alert for retired Deputy Chief Clarence Grier, who was last seen in Lakeland leaving a residence near W. 8th Street about 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Police say he was driving a red 1998 Ford F-150 with tag #ID49LX and was wearing jeans and a black jacket. Deputy Chief Grier's truck was seen by a license plate reader north of Ocala on Thursday about 5:30 a.m. Grier does have family in Sparta, Georgia, according to Lakeland police.

POLK COUNTY, Fla. - The Polk County Sheriff's Office says a suspect in an attempted murder, Marlon Tyrone Burgess, is in custody. The 34-year-old was arrested by the Henry County Sheriff's Office in Stockbridge, Georgia. Deputies say Burgess shot a 20-year-old man around midnight after they met each other in Winter Haven. When they got out of the car, Burgess shot the man multiple times, according to a Sheriff's Office release. He will eventually be transported to the Polk County Jail.

click to enlarge Photo via Adobe Stockclick to enlarge Photo via MOJO Federal Swine & Spirits/FacebookDon't blame Lakeland's MOJO Federal Swine & Spirits barbecue platters for area obesity rates; more than a quarter of Lakeland-Winter Haven adults dont exercise. According to a new study, the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area is, at the very least, thicc. The study, conducted by financial site 24/7 Wall St., found that the area has an adult obesity rate of 35.3%, which is the highest in the state of Florida, and significantly higher than the national average of 30%.The report also found that 27.2% of Lakeland-Winter Haven adults dont exercise, 20.3% reported feeling that they are in fair or poor health, and 14.1% live with diabetes.Public health officials and other researchers blame various factors for the problem among them the prevalence of fast food, the size of portions, the increase in meat consumption, our love for sugary soft drinks, our embrace of low-fat, high-sugar diet foods, and our relatively sedentary lifestyle, said the site.The report looked at a total of 382 metro areas in the county, and based its findings on data from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute joint programs 2019 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps report.This is just the latest concerning news for our Central Florida neighbors. Last week, a report from the University of South Florida placed from Polk County among the bottom 20% in the state for child well-being.

WILDWOOD Three men and one woman were arrested Saturday in connection with the armed robbery of the Gator's Dockside in Brownwood. The Lake County Sheriff's Office and Fruitland Park Police Department assisted Wildwood Police in the arrests. The men reportedly stole a cash drawer, an iPhone, and a box containing $1,400 in cash. The stolen iPhone turned out to be a boon for investigators: By 1:39 a.m., Fruitland Park police and Lake County deputies had tracked the phone to a Fruitland Park apartment building, where they say a man was spotted wearing clothing that matched the description of one of the robbers. He reportedly told deputies that Hurst had asked to borrow his car earlier that night to "go get some money."

The Florida Museum in Lakeland offers guests the chance to learn about aerospace discovery. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

A Florida man hit the jackpot in the Gold Rush Classic scratch-off game. TALLAHASSEE The Florida Lottery announced that Wadsonley Lubin of Lakeland claimed a $1 million top prize from the $20 Gold Rush Classic scratch-off game. The winning scratch-off ticket for Lubin on Wednesday came four days after his 29th birthday. On Thursday, it was announced Ana Beltran of Haines City hit the $1 million jackpot in the $5 Gold Rush Classic scratch-off game. The $20 Gold Rush Classic game launched in October 2018 and gives players the opportunity to win up to $5 million.