I want everyone in Highlands County to know that Publix is planning to close our store in Avon Park. I have always considered Publix a store that took care of their customers and I have enjoyed shopping there, knowing that I was receiving the best care and products. Please call the Publix corporate office in Lakeland and let them know that we do not want to see our store close here in Avon Park. I for one will not drive to Sebring to shop at Publix but will stay here in Avon Park and do my shopping elsewhere. "Where shopping is a pleasure" will no longer be a part of my life. ...more

April 18, 2009

Lakeland police are trying to determine the identity of a woman found suffocated to death. ...more

April 17, 2009

Lakeland police said they are investigating a suspicious death this afternoon. Police found a woman's body near the Amtrak train station at 600 E. Main St. at 11:21 a.m. today, police spokesman Jack Gillen said. ...more

April 15, 2009

Rain postponed most of the finals of the Class 1A-District 9 boys tennis tournament Tuesday at the Kelly Recreational Complex, but not before Berkeley Prep's Zach Bandes won the No. 2 singles title. ...more

April 14, 2009

The second mate of the container ship hijacked last week by pirates is likely to be back at his Bradenton home by the end of the week, his wife said today. ...more

April 13, 2009

In Lakeland, police are using the Web to alert citizens about special events, breaking news, and emergencies, like the March 9 scare involving an explosive device in a downtown parking garage. Already, 175 residents have signed up to receive tweets. ...more

April 12, 2009

The Publix store in Avon Park will be closing May 2. Maria Brous, spokeswoman for the Lakeland-based grocery chain, said Friday that store employees were notified Thursday. ...more

April 11, 2009

Michelle Skelton, a seventh-grader at William IB Middle School, earned first place in botany in the junior division of the 29th annual Hillsborough County Science Fair. ...more

April 8, 2009

Polk County firefighters put out a blaze at an animal feed warehouse in Lakeland tonight. ...more

April 5, 2009

Jennifer Johnson wanted her daughter, Je'Neiyce, to have a fun celebration in a city park for her 2nd birthday. ...more

April 1, 2009