Andy Kuppers

1 month ago | theledger.com | Andy Kuppers

A kayaker was attacked by an alligator on Lake Kissimmee on May 6, prompting a multi-agency response. This is the second alligator attack on a kayaker in the Lake Kissimmee area in two months. The condition of the kayaker is unknown at this time. A kayaker was attacked by an alligator on Lake Kissimmee late in the afternoon on May 6, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

1 month ago | theledger.com | Andy Kuppers

Twenty Polk County food vendors failed Florida restaurant inspections from March 12-31. Three restaurants had double-digit violations, including Hibachi Express, Peach House Lakeland, and Evergreen. Roach activity was cited at Lakeland Panda World Inc. and Outback Steakhouse. Twenty Polk County food vendors fell short of inspection standards March 12-31, according to state reports. Three restaurants had double-digit violations, and three others were cited for issues involving roaches.

1 month ago | theledger.com | Andy Kuppers

USA TODAY Network launched a new style guide for internal and external use. The style guide promotes clarity, accuracy, consistency, and transparency in journalistic writing. The free resource is available online at https://www.usatoday.com/styleguide. To our readers, We are thrilled to announce the launch of the USA TODAY Network Style Guide, a crucial tool that embodies our unwavering commitment to clarity, accuracy, consistency and transparency in journalism.

2 months ago | theledger.com | Andy Kuppers

Twenty-two Polk County food vendors fell short of inspection standards from February 17 to March 9. Violations ranged in severity, with some restaurants receiving warnings for minor issues like manager certification or employee training. One food truck, 2 Ole'dawgs LLC, was temporarily shut down due to a lack of running water. A food truck was temporarily shut down by an inspector and 21 other Polk County food vendors fell short of inspection standards during a three-week period from Feb.

Mar 8, 2025 | theledger.com | Andy Kuppers

Nineteen Polk County food vendors fell short of inspection standards Feb. 3-16, according to state reports. But there were no emergency closures of restaurants during the two-week period and none of them had pest-related violations, such as rodents or roaches. And on a positive note, 21 food vendors received that elusive perfect initial inspection (or an inspection that isn’t a follow-up mandated by previous violations.