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Red Cross continues to respond after 9 tornadoes destroy homes

Red Cross continues to respond after 9 tornadoes destroy homes

The American Red Cross continues to provide food, clothing, comfort and safety to families throughout multiple counties after last Thursday's two violent storms spawned nine tornados, confirmed by the National Weather Service today. 

Neighbors have come together to help each other and are grateful for the support from the dozens of Red Cross staff and volunteers who continue to provide emergency assistance.

Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV's) rolled through the streets of the areas affected by the storms, giving out food, water, and ensuring that everyone has a dry, safe place to stay. 

Suspect tased for speeding

Suspect tased for speeding

Manatee County, FL -- Roxanna Sarver of Lakeland is behind bars after she was pulled over by a Manatee County deputy for speeding.


When Deputy Begley pulled Sarver over she got out of the vehicle, he ordered her back in, but she took off running instead.


Deputy Begley ordered her several more times to follow his orders, but she ignored his requests.

Certified Business Enterprise Course only $35

Certified Business Enterprise Course only $35

Lakeland, FL -- Are you in business and want to become certified with the State of Florida?


Learn how to complete the State of Florida Certified Business Enterprise application. 

Fill the Boot for MDA

Fill the Boot for MDA

Bartow, FL -- Each Friday in April, Polk County Fire Rescue will take to the streets to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through their signature fundraiser, the "Fill the Boot" drive. 


For more than half a century, members of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) have stood by the MDA, striving to make a difference in the lives of those affected by neuromuscular diseases. 

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New hazardous waste collection program available for small businesses

New hazardous waste collection program available for small businesses

Bartow, Florida – Polk County businesses that produce less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste per month can properly dispose/recycle it the third Wednesday of each month by appointment-only at the North Central Landfill’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility. The first collection day will take place February 16.

Quotes will be based on the quantity and types of waste materials to be disposed/recycled. Participants must complete a registration form and inventory sheet and may need an onsite inspection prior to participating.  Waste materials being collected include: paint, solvents, waste ink, fluorescent lamps, used oil, antifreeze and other hazardous waste.

Heavy damage, injuries reported at Sun 'n Fun

Lakeland, Florida -- In just minutes, the sight of the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In air festival at Lakeland's Linder Field was turned into a disaster zone.

Planes at the regional airport were blown around like toys. Many of them were sent tumbling into other aircraft.

Photo Gallery: Storm damage at the Sun 'n Fun
More Pictures:
Pictures of today's storms and storm damage

"Somewhere between 40 and 50 planes have been damaged," said the event's president John Burton.

"I'd never seen anything like it. [The storm] wasn't here and then the next second you couldn't even see in front of you," said Alan Smiley, who was visiting the air-show.

Are you prepared to have a baby?

Are you prepared to have a baby?
Lakeland, FL -- The Polk County Health Department has announced classes for expecting parents.
Childbirth Preparation Classes: