The Ledger

The proposed final map for a toll road in eastern Polk County shows an 18.4-mile segment that crosses over or under several roads and creates new interchanges with seven.

From fire services to parks and libraries, multiple Polk County department leaders explained to the commissioners at an Aug. 14 work session in Bartow about the cuts they will propose if Amendment 3 passes, reducing property tax revenues for the county.

Opponents keep underestimating Florida Senate candidate Angie Nixon. But the mother, bookstore owner and union organizer is now a political threat. Aug. 31, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET State Rep. Angie Nixon defeated Lt. Col. Alex Vindman in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Nixon's political career was built through community organizing, union work, and local business ownership.

Lakeland residents could soon face a $500 fine if they insist on watering their lawn every day. City commissioners at their Sept. 4 meeting will consider updating local laws to allow for broader enforcement and stiffer financial penalties for failing to abide by water use restrictions as Central Florida's drought continues.

When the 2025 boys cross country season ended, Geneva Classical’s Oliver Dempsey was the top runner, George Jenkins’ Colin Wagner was the No. 2 runner, and five of the top 10 runners were seniors. With Dempsey and Wagner have graduated, Lake Wales senior Gabriel Harris enters the season as the top returning boys runner in the county.

Roy Fuoco Aug. 31, 2026, 4:02 a.m. ET McKeel's Aidan Alam finished fourth at the George Whitmire Invitational on Saturday. ROY FUOCO/THE LEDGER Lake Wales's Gabriel Harris runs down the stretch in the 2025 Polk County Cross Country Championships at Holloway Park in Lakeland. ROY FUOCO/THE LEDGER Geneva Classical's Benaiah Lawton is All-County first team. ROY FUOCO/THE LEDGER Geneva Classical's Ryder Dempsey finished third at the George Whitmire Invitational on Saturday.

Looking for a simpler way to manage workplace purchasing? Amazon Business offers free accounts and access to business-only pricing. Updated Aug. 30, 2026, 11:42 p.m. ET Amazon Business is a free purchasing platform designed for organizations that want more control over workplace buying while keeping the convenience many shoppers already know from Amazon.

Looking for an easy, high-protein breakfast for busy fall mornings? Start here. Aug. 30, 2026, 9:14 p.m. ET FlavCity has released a limited-edition Whipped Lemonade Protein Smoothie for the summer. The new smoothie flavor was developed in partnership with Weight Watchers. Each serving contains 25 grams of protein, 10 grams of collagen and is 4 WW Points. As routines shift from summer mode to packed school-year schedules, many shoppers are looking for quick ways to fit more protein into their day.

Americans prefer to set their thermostats cold throughout the day Aug. 30, 2026, 7:05 p.m. ET While the hottest days of summer appear to be largely behind, a heat dome that roiled the West appears to be aiming for the Mississippi Valley, the mid-Atlantic and the Southeast, heading into Labor Day weekend, according to forecasters. AccuWeather forecasts that daytime highs in those regions will hit as much as 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit above historical averages through the opening days of September.

The U.S. struck Iran for the first time since late July, hitting launchers on Larak Island on Aug. 30, U.S. officials confirmed to USA TODAY in a statement. Tim Hawkins, U.S. Central Command spokesperson, said in the statement the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz and that two launchers were struck.