Polk County Schools To Close Thursday; 7 Sandbag Sites Open Wednesday

Polk County public schools will close Thursday in anticipation of Hurricane Nicole and the county is opening sandbag sites Wednesday.

Polk County Elections: Voters Asked To Purchase Conservation Lands

Polk County voters on Nov. 8 will choose four U.S. House members and two state senators, along with approving conservation lands.

Polk County Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

There were more than 3,900 domestic violence injunctions filed in Polk County in 2021, with 566 being repeat violence cases.

Polk Sheriff's Explorer Helps Bust Store Clerk Selling Minors Alcohol

Deputies arrested a Davenport store clerk accused of selling alcohol to a 15-year-old as part of Operation Pop Top.

Disabled Veteran From Lakeland Receives Gift Of Home And Warm Welcome

Rahmeka Hopkins is among more than 300 wounded veterans to receive a home courtesy of the national nonprofit, Building Homes For Heroes.

14 Sex Offenders, Predators Arrested In Polk County On Halloween

Polk County detectives spent 176 hours conducting 990 compliance checks.

Lakeland Ranked No. 14 On U.S. News' List Of Best Placed To Retire

Lakeland came in as one of the top 20 best places to retire in the United States.

North Wabash Avenue Closure In Lakeland Delayed 2 Days

An underground utility project to install a sewer connection for a new subdivision has been delayed to Wednesday.

2 Domestic-Related Shootings Investigated In Winter Haven Over Weekend

Two people are hospitalized and one man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, said Winter Haven police.

Last Day To Request Vote-By-Mail Ballot In Polk County Is Saturday

Voters wanting a vote-by-mail ballot mailed to them for the Nov. 8 general election have until Saturday at 5 p.m. to make the request.

Cops For Kids Toy Drive Donation Registration Underway

The Lakeland Police Department will be accepting applications for the 2022 Cops for Kids Toy Donation program for five select days.

Teen Used Gun On Tenoroc High Campus To Threaten Student In Restroom

The Polk sheriff's office arrested a 15-year-old Tenoroc High School student for bringing a gun on campus and threatening a student with it.

Nov. 8 Election Guide For Polk County; Early Voting Underway

Here's what's on the ballot and how to vote in Polk County.

Road Closures Cause Detours Throughout Polk County

Heavy construction projects countywide continue to slow Polk County drive times.

Winter Haven Residents Sought For Public Safety Leadership Council

The council will consist of approximately 20 members who will serve voluntarily and meet every other Tuesday beginning in January.

Largest Fentanyl Seizure In Polk County's History Leads To 3 Arrests

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said the three men arrested have direct ties to cartels responsible for killing 18 mayors in Mexico.

3,900 Domestic Violence Injunctions Issued In Polk County In 2021

Polk County Commission proclaims Domestic Violence Awareness Month as incidents in the county rise by 1,700 cases.

Mosquito Spraying Set Wednesday Night Due To Flooding From Hurricane

Due to a surge in the mosquito population from flooding caused by Hurricane Ian, Polk County Mosquito Control will be spraying on Oct. 19.

Father, Son Shoot At Car After Neighbor Drops Off Package In Polk Co.

Authorities said a Winter Haven father and son thought they were being burglarized when a neighbor dropped off a misdelivered package.

Man Fatally Shot In Bartow, Polk Sheriff Investigating

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a homicide that occurred Monday afternoon at 52 59th St. in Bartow. ​

Video Released In Shooting Of Polk Deputy Saved By Bullet-Proof Vest

A Polk County sheriff's deputy's life was saved by his bullet-proof vest after he was shot in the chest last week.

Man Found Dead In Bartow, Police Investigating It As Homicide

The Bartow Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred Saturday around 11:30 a.m.

Inflation Affecting 2022 Pumpkin Prices In Lakeland

Finding the best fall pumpkin at a field in Lakeland could come at an increased cost this year.

Hundreds Attend Memorial For Rookie Polk Deputy Killed In Line Of Duty

At the age of 4, Deputy Blane Lane declared that he would become a sheriff's deputy and, one day, sheriff of Polk County.

1 Child Killed, Another Injured In Crash; Driver Arrested For DUI

A driver was arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter following a crash that killed a 22-month-old boy and left a 5-year-old boy injured.

To Generations Of 4-H Members, She'll Always Be Grandma Judy

For her 35-plus years serving the youth of Polk County, Judy Raymond was inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame.

Voter Registration Deadline For Polk County Is Tuesday

Voters who aren't yet registered to vote in the Nov. 8 general election have until Tuesday to register.

$2M Powerball Prize Won By Lakeland Woman

Florida Lottery officials said Thursday that Carla Davis, 42, of Lakeland, claimed a $2 million prize from a Powerball drawing held in June.

Winter Haven Police Officer Fires At 2 Men Exchanging Gunfire

Both men were taken to the hospital to be treated for their injuries.

Polk Deputy, 21, Killed By Stray Bullet Shot By Fellow Deputy

The bullet from one of the other deputies penetrated the wall of a mobile home and struck the rookie deputy.

Polk Sheriff's Charities Selling Polk Sheriff's Costumes For Halloween

Polk Sheriff’s Charities Inc. is selling these limited-edition Polk County Sheriff’s Office child-sized costumes for trick-or-treating.

Polk Sheriff's 2022 Haunted Jail Tour To Take Place 2 Weekends

This year’s theme is "Doomsday," and instead of one tour, there will be two paths to scare visitors as they tour the jail.

Man Left Dying On Side Of Road In Haines City; 3 Orlando Men Arrested

Three Orlando men have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of an Orange County man in unincorporated Haines City Sept. 24.

Hurricane Ian Kills 1 In Polk County, Power Nearly Restored

A Polk County sheriff's deputy rescued an elderly man whose pickup truck was swept away by floodwaters.

Pumpkin Patches Near Lakeland

It’s pumpkin season in Lakeland! Find out where to get the pick of the patch in the area.

Arrest Made In Sexual Assault At Trailhead Park In Winter Haven

Fifty-eight-year-old Frederick Duchin was charged with armed sexual battery for the attack on a woman who was feeding feral cats.

Bucs Player Signs On To Support Families Headed By Single Moms

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka​ has partnered with One More Child​ in a national campaign to support single moms.

Salvation Army To Double Housing For Homeless At Lakeland Community

​On Thursday, the Salvation Army broke ground on a project to double housing for the homeless at the George W. Jenkins Community of Hope.

North Galloway, Sleepy Hills Roads To Remain Close For Another Week

Lakeland Electric is installing power service to a temporary lighting system at the new roundabout, which is now scheduled to open Friday.

Crash Between Polk School Bus, Car Leaves Woman With Serious Injuries

A 21-year-old Treasure Island woman was taken to the hospital with serious injuries after colliding with a school bus Monday morning.