KLYSTRON 9 RADARTrack showers and thunderstorms moving through the Tampa Bay area

WEATHER FORECASTAfternoon storms on Friday

STORM SEASON'Storm Squad' looks to grow in hurricane-hit Bartlett Park

TROPICS UPDATENo tropical development expected in the near future

INTERNATIONALLondon-bound Air India flight with more than 240 aboard crashes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India

PULSE REMEMBRANCERemembering the victims of the Pulse nightclub attack 9 years later

GETTING THERESt. Petersburg makes ‘pedestrian friendly zones’ in Edge District

L.A. IMMIGRATION PROTESTSCurfew will continue amid Los Angeles immigration protests, mayor says

DOWNLOAD THE APPStay informed throughout your day with the Spectrum News app, available on all your favorite devices.

QUICK LINKS

Polk County Links

Polk County News Feed

POLK COUNTY NEWS

JUNETEENTH 2025

The Juneteenth flag (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)

JUNETEENTH 2025

JUNETEENTH 2025

Juneteenth celebrations across Tampa Bay for 2025

Festivities are lined up county-by-county for Juneteenth, on June 19.

Tampa3 hours ago

The ordinance banning smoking and vaping in Haines City’s public parks aims to create a cleaner, safer environment for families and youth. (Spectrum News)

Local students inspire smoking ban in Haines City

City leaders say the new ordinance will protect community health and create safer spaces for youth.

2:24

Polk County1 day ago

Jan Morsey looks at Lake Bonny from her window. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

Lake Bonny Drive residents brace for Florida’s hurricane season

Resident Jan Morsey says the possibility of flooding is causing anxiety for her and her neighbors.

1:55

Polk County1 day ago

Second-grade students select their meals during lunch break. (Courtesy: AP)

Free meals for students on summer break; find your location

More than 3,000 locations across Florida, including churches, schools and libraries, will serve breakfast, lunch, snacks and more all summer long.

Florida3 days ago

Polk Pride VP Kerri McCoy and her team on their pride float. (Spectrum News)

Polk Pride plans weeklong celebration of 10-year anniversary

Before 2015, a large-scale Pride Month celebration had never been held in Polk County.

2:22

Polk County5 days ago

SEA LIFE Florida opened Friday at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. By the numbers: There are 3,000 sea creatures, 150 species of animal, and 10 immersive galleries. (Photo provided by LEGOLAND Florida)

Sea animals from around the world at SEA LIFE Florida help teach conservancy

On the Town in Winter Haven, where SEA LIFE Florida opens at LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

1:16

Polk County5 days ago

DEPORTATION FLIGHTS

A local advocacy group has joined a national movement to protest Avelo Airlines’ partnership with ICE to operate deportation flights.

DEPORTATION FLIGHTS

DEPORTATION FLIGHTS

Lakeland-based group voices concerns over Avelo Airlines’ deportation flights

The group has joined a nationwide initiative to stop Avelo Airlines from conducting deportation flights.

2:50

Polk County1 week ago

FLOODING CONCERNS

Polk County resident Amanda May shows the water damage to her home after several inches of water threatened homes during a storm on Sunday. (Spectrum News/Alexis Jones)

FLOODING CONCERNS

FLOODING CONCERNS

Haines City community raises concerns after weekend flooding

Residents on Georgene Road say it took days for floodwaters to recede from their homes and yards.

2:22

Polk County1 week ago

SENIOR RESOURCES

Rath Senior Connextions and their partners have been working for years to establish a senior center in Lakeland, highlighting the ongoing need for accessible support for older residents. (Spectrum News/Alexis Jones)

SENIOR RESOURCES

SENIOR RESOURCES

Local groups push to bring senior center to Lakeland

Currently, the city doesn’t have a central location for seniors to receive resources and services.

2:48

Polk County1 week ago

Hi-res satellite image of Hurricane Milton (Courtesy / NOAA/CIRA)

Tampa Bay's complete guide to Storm Season 2025

Coming off of a tough 2024 season, the Tampa Bay community has been forever changed.

21:32

Tampa2 weeks ago

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

A ribbon cutting took place Tuesday at Jersey Commons in Polk County. (Spectrum News/Fadia Patterson)

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

A new kind of housing for those in need

The Bay area’s affordable housing crisis impacts a variety of people across the region.

2:24

Polk County2 weeks ago

Sean Sweat is a firefighter and Army veteran. (Spectrum News)

Sean Sweat runs Lake Hollingsworth with flags to honor veterans

Sean Sweat runs with flags to honor veterans. He started 15 years ago to honor his old platoon leader who was killed in the line of duty.

1:59

Tampa2 weeks ago

The $1.2 million system, along with a dedicated radio frequency, is awaiting FAA approval. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

Winter Haven to launch nation’s first digital remote tower

Officials hope the new digital system will help increase safety and efficiency for pilots.

1:21

Polk County2 weeks ago

AAA spokesperson Andre El Khouri says this year, AAA is expecting 2.6 million travelers in Florida alone and of those 2.6 million, almost 2.3 million are going to use their cars. (File photo)

Crowded airport, busy roads expected across Bay area during holiday weekend

And Bay area roads will be crowded for the holiday weekend, along with Tampa International Airport.

1:18

Tampa2 weeks ago

PROJECT WEATHER

Project Weather

PROJECT WEATHER

PROJECT WEATHER

Project Weather: Spectrum Bay News 9 announces 2025 winners

A $1,000 check will be awarded to six high school seniors in public, private or parochial schools who excel in science.

1:35

Florida2 weeks ago

BUSY BOATING WEEKEND

FWC has additional officers working Memorial Day weekend to patrol the waters of Tampa Bay (Angie Angers).

BUSY BOATING WEEKEND

BUSY BOATING WEEKEND

FWC ups staffing, prepares for busy Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend also marks the last major holiday before the state’s new Boater Freedom Act goes into effect.

3:17

Tampa3 weeks ago

Florida Southern College's Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. (Spectrum News)

Florida Southern fights to preserve historic Frank Lloyd Wright structure

According to a lawsuit filed by the college, the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel started experiencing water leaks after a roof installation.

2:04

Polk County3 weeks ago

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shows the knife that was used in an incident where a suspect is accused of stabbing an 81-year-old man at an independent living facility in Bartow. (Spectrum News)

18-year-old charged with murdering 81-year-old Bartow man

Moses Ojeda, according to Sheriff Grady Judd, stabbed the victim a total of 113 times in the weekend incident.

3:15

Polk County3 weeks ago

Nasier Berrien graduated from Fort Meade Middle Senior High School and will be receiving a $1,000 Spectrum Scholarship. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Fallon Silcox)

High School Scholar: Nasier Berrien of Fort Meade Senior High stays committed to his faith, and his future

Nasier Berrien's teachers say he’s an exemplary student who is committed to his faith, and his future.

2:16

Polk County3 weeks ago

Representatives from Gospel Inc. host an open house Friday at its 72-unit development. (Spectrum News/Lizbeth Gutierrez)

Gospel Inc. hosts open house for the new 72-unit development expected to be complete in December

Officials with Gospel Inc. say the development should be completely finished in December.

1:44

Polk County3 weeks ago

Bok Tower Gardens is a tranquil piece of open space in eastern Polk County that's been around for roughly 100 years. (Spectrum News)

Bok Tower officials relieved over adjusted FDOT proposed parkway

Two of the proposed routes would be nearly 2,500 feet away from the property.

3:06

Polk County3 weeks ago

Polk County Sheriff's Office photo taken Monday, May 12, 2025.

6 face charges in Secret Cove double-murder, Polk sheriff's office says

The incident happened when a car crashed into a home in what authorities said started as a drug transaction.

1:17

Polk County4 weeks ago

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH

Riders at Harley Davidson's Riding Academy in Brandon work on skills to pass their license endorsement class. (Spectrum News)

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH

With a eye on rider safety, May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month

At the Rider Academy at Harley Davidson in Brandon, a class of students learns skills and works toward their motorcycle endorsements.

1:36

Tampa4 weeks ago

Zoraya (left) and Ethan Brandon (right) have been enrolled in Polk Virtual School since the pandemic. (Spectrum News/Fallon Silcox)

Polk Virtual School to shutter at conclusion of school year

Some Polk County families say they’re left scrambling for options.

2:18

Polk County4 weeks ago

Hillsborough County issued an emergency burn ban Friday on all outdoor open burning in all areas of the county. (FILE IMAGE)

Hernando County rescinds countywide burn ban

The county cited recent heavy rainfall and projected weather conditions.

Tampa4 weeks ago

City of Bartow's Vice Mayor, Laura Simpson (Courtesy: Spectrum News)

Bartow city leader weighs in on state fluoride ban

Bartow leaders are weighing in as Gov. Ron DeSantis prepares to sign a bill that will ban the use of fluoride.

Polk County4 weeks ago

Generic police

Vehicle crashes into Lakeland home; 2 killed

Sheriff Grady Judd says it happened on Pirates Way around 1:30 p.m. Monday afternoon during a “potential drug transaction.”

1:32

Polk County1 month ago

Ava Thompson, 9, makes lemonade with her 6-year-old sister Zoey. The two started a free lemonade stand to raise epilepsy awareness and support for children living with the condition. (Spectrum Bay News 9)

Polk County girl creates lemonade stand to support children with epilepsy

Ava Thompson was diagnosed with the neurological condition in May 2023 after a family friend noticed she was having seizures.

2:21

Polk County1 month ago

Kermit, a WP-3D Orion Aircraft, sits inside NOAA's Lakeland Aircraft Operation Center. It will fly into hurricanes this storm season. Credit: Erin Murray

Inside NOAA's Aircraft Ops Center as personnel prepare for storm season

Learn how missions into hurricanes like Beryl and Milton are more than just jobs; they're life-saving operations.

3:51

Polk County1 month ago

CONGESTION RELIEF LANES

New I-4 congestion relief lanes are now open on I-4 between U.S. 27 and State Road 417. (Spectrum News)

CONGESTION RELIEF LANES

CONGESTION RELIEF LANES

Commuter sees relief as new congestion lanes open on I-4

Just days after the Florida Department of Transportation opened the lanes, drivers say they're already seeing improvements.

2:10

Polk County1 month ago

Wildfire mitigation specialist Todd Chalanda speaks with Florida Forest Service dispatchers. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

Polk County fire crews work to keep wildfires from spreading

The Florida Forest Service responded to multiple wildfires last week, with experts warning that Florida’s dry season may last longer than usual.

1:49

Polk County1 month ago

WEEKEND SHOOTING

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is seeking information about a Sunday morning shooting that left tree Osceola County High School students with minor injuries. (Spectrum News)

WEEKEND SHOOTING

WEEKEND SHOOTING

Polk County deputies search for suspects in weekend shooting that injured 3 high school students

Officials say two of the students were grazed by bullets, and one got debris in his or her eye.

2:47

Polk County1 month ago

Madalynne Brooks' daughter, Beverly Boatright visiting Webster Park in lakeland. (Spectrum News)

Bay area civil rights activist may soon get park in her honor

Lakeland city commission plans to vote on a resolution today to rename Webster Park after Madalynne “Nellie” Brooks.

1:39

Polk County1 month ago

Damage to a Florida home after storm and tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Milton. (Courtesy Betty Queen)

Floridians mark Hurricane Preparedness Week before season starts

As Floridians continue to prepare for the upcoming storm season, state officials are focusing on safety with Hurricane Preparedness Week.

Florida1 month ago

Lakeland's Jennifer Rader catches feral cats to give them a better life. (Spectrum News)

Lakeland's Jennifer Rader traps feral cats to give them a better life

The cats are fixed and vaccinated, and released back where they were caught. She also has a cat rescue for tame cats and she finds them forever homes.

2:46

Tampa1 month ago

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Morgan McKenna Porter makes a “juicer” of citrus in a grove by her Polk County home for her son, Lee. The farmer, and her cousin, represent the fifth generation, carrying on the legacy of McKenna Brothers, Inc. (Spectrum News/Julie Gargotta)

FLORIDA INSPIRES

FLORIDA INSPIRES

Fifth-generation citrus farmer forges path forward

Alongside a cousin, Morgan McKenna Porter returns to the family farm to carry on the citrus tradition, relying upon research to move forward.

2:38

Polk County1 month ago

The Avengers Christian Academy offers a full curriculum and will soon offer sports. (Spectrum News)

Faith, education and sports assembling at new Polk County school

Avengers Christian Academy in Winter Haven is open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

2:18

Tampa1 month ago

Citrus farmer Kyle Story. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

Florida citrus industry could get $200 million in funding

A large portion of the funding would go toward field trials for new plantings and the rehabilitation of trees.

1:51

Polk County1 month ago

Bartow Fire Department firefighter Shane Evans arriving at Bartow fire station after responding to a call. (Spectrum News)

Polk County and Bartow fire departments to build joint station

Officials say the upcoming station will help improve response times, especially on the north side of Bartow.

2:16

Polk County1 month ago

Kaitlyn and Joshua Ostergaard on Southeastern University's campus. (Spectrum News)

Two Polk County siblings make history at Southeastern University graduation

Kaitlyn Ostergaard surpassed a record held by her brother, Joshua, who graduated last year at 17.

1:51

Polk County1 month ago

Dr. Francisco Chebly visits patient Janet Pruett at her home. (Spectrum News)

Lakeland Regional Health launches Hospital at Home Program

The program is inspired by remote inpatient care models developed during the pandemic.

2:23

Polk County1 month ago

Traffic lights again working in Haines City after earlier outages

About 4,000 Duke Energy customers were without power at one point.

Polk County1 month ago

(FILE)

Bartow football coach facing charges of lewd behavior toward student

According to the Polk Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Eden engaged in sexual talk with at least one student and unzipped a hoodie jacket of a female student.

Polk County1 month ago

(FILE)

Other campuses stepping up security in wake of FSU shooting

After Thursday’s fatal shooting at Florida State University, other universities are stepping up on-campus security, including in the Bay area.

2:32

Tampa1 month ago

More than 300 of the top international archers competed in Polk County. (Spectrum Sports 360/Katherine Smith)

Elite international archery competition makes its Florida debut

The top archers from all over the world competed in Polk County.

2:05

Tampa1 month ago

Mosaic New Wales Plant

Environmentalist warns against Mosaic’s EPA approved project to build a road with radioactive waste material

A local environmental advocate says the impacts of phosphogypsum could last for generations.

3:46

Polk County1 month ago

Traffic lights near State Road 60 in Bartow.

Bartow set to launch red-light camera program this month

While some residents look forward to the red-light cameras, others call the program excessive.

2:41

Polk County1 month ago

Tuesday is April 15, which means tax returns are due. But for some filers in the Bay area, the deadline has been pushed back. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Florida's Tax Day deadline pushed back due to storms

The Internal Revenue Service pushed the deadline back to May 1 for those directly impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Florida1 month ago

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

City leaders and development company, Black Mountain Group breaks ground on commercial development on US-17. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Haines City breaks ground on major commercial development

Haines City broke ground on Crossroads Village Center, a 120-acre commercial project that will include a Target.

1:56

Polk County1 month ago

The roof of the Tropicana Field is damaged the morning after Hurricane Milton hit the region, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Hurricane Milton by the numbers

Milton was one of the strongest hurricanes on record in the Atlantic basin.

Tampa2 months ago

View More Polk County Headlines

POLK COUNTY WEATHER

Polk County Radar - Interactive Klystron 9 Radar

U.S. Weather Today

Polk County Weather Today

Polk County Weather Tomorrow

AROUND THE TAMPA BAY AREA

A flyer on Saturday's Storm Squad meeting sits on a windshield wiper in the Bartlett Park neighborhood. (Spectrum News)

'Storm Squad' looks to grow in hurricane-hit Bartlett Park

A community meeting is set for 10 a.m. Saturday to help residents who have been flooded and want to prepare for this hurricane season.

3:22

Pinellas County4 hours ago

The State College of Florida (SCF) is expanding its Artificial Intelligence Sim Lab Program to two other campuses in the Tampa Bay area. (Spectrum News)

SCF expands artificial intelligence mannequin skills lab program

The State College of Florida is expanding its Artificial Intelligence Sim Lab Program to two other campuses in the Tampa Bay area.

2:29

Manatee County4 hours ago

file photo of Tampa International Airport signage

Ground stop lifted at TPA as storm roll through

All flights are currently stopped in and out of Tampa International Airport.

Tampa19 hours ago

Skybrooke Elementary will serve as Pasco County Schools’ newest K-8 school starting next school year. Principal Michele Boylan takes a tour of the new school, which is expected to open in August. (Spectrum News/Calvin Lewis)

Construction on new Skybrooke Elementary School nearing completion, seats still available for next school year

Pasco's newest K-8 school will be one of the largest in the county.

2:43

Pasco County19 hours ago

Thanks to extra money, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay was able to provide scholarships for 422 more children for camp this summer. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Fallon Silcox)

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay receives $471k to expand summer program

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay expanded its summer camp program thanks to the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

2:47

Tampa23 hours ago

Bank of America Tampa Bay Market President Michael Esposito says gathering important documents and placing them in a watertight safe or electronically storing them could make all the difference for homeowners and renters if they suffer hurricane damage. (Spectrum News/Chris McDonald)

Experts: Include tax and insurance documents, other financials in your hurricane kit

Hurricane preps should include more than just a bin full of supplies.

3:03

Tampa1 day ago

pedestrian friendly zone signs

St. Petersburg makes ‘pedestrian friendly zones’ in Edge District

New signs ask bicyclists to “walk their wheels” on Central Avenue sidewalks.

1:44

Tampa1 day ago

Fire safety trailers are interactive and highly realistic training tools that simulate common home fire scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. The new trailer features two main training zones. (Citrus County Fire Rescue)

Citrus County Fire Rescue unveils new fire safety trailer

The state-of-the-art fire safety trailer replaces the original unit that served the community for over 30 years.

Citrus County1 day ago

POLK COUNTY LINKS

MORE POLK COUNTY NEWS

The X (Twitter) list below may require you to be logged into X (Twitter) to view it. If they show up as "Nothing to see here," then click on the blue button to load the list on the X (Twitter) website.

A Twitter List by BN9