Gary White

3 days ago | theledger.com | Gary White

The Argentinian-born pontiff, the first Latin American pope, was praised for his focus on social justice and inclusivity. Francis's leadership was admired by Catholics and non-Catholics alike, with some calling him "everybody's Pope."The Pope's death prompted reflections on his legacy of compassion and his efforts to modernize the Catholic Church. Rachel Bulman of Lakeland had been trying to prepare herself for the news that arrived when she arose Monday morning: Pope Francis had died at age 88.

6 days ago | theledger.com | Gary White

Ian Townsend, a former classmate of the accused FSU shooter, Phoenix Ikner, described him as socially awkward and politically conservative. Ikner often wore NRA and "Blue Lives Matter" apparel and engaged in tense political discussions in class. Townsend and other classmates found Ikner's behavior unsettling, though they didn't anticipate the shooting. Ikner was largely isolated from his classmates, who often avoided him in group projects.

1 week ago | theledger.com | Gary White

Bartow High School football coach Tyler Eden was arrested for alleged lewd behavior towards a female student. The Polk County Sheriff's Office investigation began after a parent reported inappropriate conversations between Eden and their daughter. Polk County Public Schools is terminating Eden's employment. Tyler Eden, the head football coach and a teacher at Bartow High School, was arrested on April 17, charged with lewd behavior toward a female student.

1 week ago | newschief.com | Gary White

Bartow High School football coach Tyler Eden was arrested for alleged lewd behavior towards a female student. The Polk County Sheriff's Office investigation began after a parent reported inappropriate conversations between Eden and their daughter. Polk County Public Schools is terminating Eden's employment. Tyler Eden, the head football coach and a teacher at Bartow High School, was arrested on April 17, charged with lewd behavior toward a female student.

1 week ago | theledger.com | Gary White

The Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC) received a $10 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the Southeast Wellfield Water Production Facility. The facility will treat water drawn from the Lower Floridan Aquifer, which requires reverse osmosis due to high mineral content. The grant is the largest among $55 million awarded statewide and will offset costs for participating Polk County municipalities.