Andy Kuppers

Four Polk restaurants had double-digit violations. See why Andy Kuppers Four Polk County restaurants failed to meet standards with double-digit violations in the last half of December, according to state inspection reports. In total, 20 restaurants fell s... See more

FIRESee firefighters battle a fire at Sonny's BBQ in Bartow Andy KuppersJan. 7, 2026, 10:52 a.m. ETAn early morning fire destroyed the Sonny's BBQ restaurant at 595 N. Broadway Ave. in Bartow on Jan. 7, 2026.Andy Kuppers/The LedgerAn early morning fire de... See more

Two more Polk County restaurants closed by inspectors because of roaches Andy Kuppers Two Polk County restaurants were closed by inspectors to deal with roaches during the first two weeks of December, according to state reports. On Dec. 16, Global Foody L... See more

POLITICS Lakeland native among nominees to replace Canady on Florida Supreme Court Andy Kuppers Lakeland Ledger Dec. 31, 2025, 9:28 a.m. ET The commission that certifies nominees to Florida’s highest court has nominated six people as possible replacements... See more

The commission that certifies nominees to Florida’s highest court has nominated six people as possible replacements for Justice Charles Canady . Three of them have ties to Polk County, including one Lakeland native. Canady, 71 and also a Lakeland native, ... See more