Lake Istokpoga once again has earned high marks for fishing. Bassmaster Magazine has tapped Istokpoga as the second-best bass lake in Florida and number three for the southeast region.
The lake has earned similar honors in the past, and this past spring, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission chose Istokpoga as one of ten freshwater locations in Florida where special pink-tagged bass worth big prizes were released.
Parents are raising more concerns as the new school year gets underway. This time it’s overcrowded busses. Photos posted on social media show three in a seat, which causes students to fill up aisle-way space.
Highlands County Schools Director of Transportation Willie Hills says it’s due to a shortage of drivers. Routes are down by about ten busses, meaning additional students per vehicle.
Hills says they are accepting applications for those who would like to pilot the big yellow taxis on their morning and afternoon runs.
As the world mourns yesterday’s passing of Queen Elizabeth, officials in Polk County are noting the queen mum’s generosity there. Some 65 years ago, Her Majesty gifted tie city of Lakeland with two swans for Lake Morton.
Reportedly, she had acted on a request from a couple from Lakeland that was living in England at the time. The city marked the milestone this past February.
The descendants of those swans live on today, and a city official says swans have become an iconic part of the fabric of Lakeland. In fact, Lakeland is known as "Swan City."