Officials at the Avon Park Air Force Range say they’ll be hosting exercises today out at the bombing range. Those with their eyes to the skies can expect to see a bit more air traffic.
Noise levels are not expected to be high,
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission will be in Highlands County today for a public hearing on their plans for the Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife & Environmental area. The session on the 10-year plan will be held this evening at 7pm in the H.L. Bishop Park Clubhouse.
The conservation tract encompasses more than 17,000 acres in Highlands and Polk counties. It represents the largest area of scrub habitat in the world.
Lakeland is joining the list of cities holding rallies in support of Israel. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is slated to speak at today’s “Stand With Israel Rally.” It’ll be held at Temple Emanuel in Lakeland beginning at 5:30.
Other rallies have been held in Tampa, Hallendale, Miami and Palm Beach.
Six men are facing charges after a child solicitation sting in Polk County. The sheriff’s office announced the arrests yesterday as part of Operation Child Protector Four. For seven days, law enforcement officers from seven departments went on social media, apps and dating sites pretending to be children or guardians of children. The suspects were invited to meet a child at an undercover location, and when they arrived, they were arrested. Three of the six suspects are charged with human trafficking. The suspects range in age from 26 to 49. Three are from Orange County, two are from Polk County and one is from Osceola County. One is a daycare worker.
Some of Polk County’s most popular residents are getting a health checkup. The city of Lakeland conducted its 43rd annual Swan Roundup yesterday on Lake Morton. Swans were gathered up in nets so they could be evaluated by doctors at My Pet’s Animal Hospital. The exams will start this morning at 8:00. The original swans on Lake Morton date back to 1957 when they were donated to the city by Queen Elizabeth, the Second. A city official calls the swans a community icon.