Polk State President Appointed To Juvenile Justice Advisory Group

"President Garcia Falconetti will support Dr. Eric Hall of the Department of Juvenile Justice in the advancement of Florida's System."

Haines City Tow Truck Owner Accused Of Stealing Disabled Car

Lake Wales police said J & M Towing towed a car without the owner's permission and then said it would be returned if the owner paid $735.

Burlington Stores’ New Location Opening in Lakeland Friday

To celebrate its grand opening, Burlington will donate $5,000 to nearby North Lakeland Elementary School at 7:45 a.m. Friday.

Video: Tips Sought On Winter Haven Convenience Store Robbery

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a robbery that occurred at a convenience store in unincorporated Winter Haven on Sept. 8.

13 More Men Arrested In Polk Sheriff's Crackdown On Child Predators

Polk County ​Sheriff Grady Judd says, among those arrested, were Disney, Publix and Amazon employees.

See How Lakeland Universities Rank Nationally

More than 70 Florida colleges and universities made the 2023 U.S. News & World Report list of best colleges.

First Responders Who Respond To Trauma Likely To Experience Trauma

Lakeland police and firefighters are among the cities creating a behavioral health plan for fellow first responders experiencing trauma.

Man In Bloody Shirt, Carrying Knife Arrested After Walking Into Publix

A birthday celebration Monday night at an apartment complex in Davenport ended with two people being stabbed, according to Polk deputies.

Off-Duty Polk Firefighter Lauded For Preventing Possible Suicide

An off-duty Polk County firefighter is being hailed as a hero after saving a person who was preparing to jump off a highway overpass.

160 Arrests Made During Polk County Human Trafficking Sting

Among those arrested were a math teacher, school athletic coach, parents with a 2-year-old in tow and a bellhop at a Disney resort.

Tips Sought On Hit-And-Run Crash That Critically Injured Pedestrian

Around 1:10 a.m., the Polk sheriff's office received a call about a man on the side of the road of Cypress Gardens Boulevard.

Grand Opening Planned For New Loughman Fire Station In Bartow

A grand opening ceremony for the newly built Loughman Fire Station will take place on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m.

$1.2M Lakeland Wow House Has Covered Pool, Updates Throughout

This Lakeland house listed for $1.2M has updates to kitchen, baths, living spaces, flooring, and pool, as well as lake views.

Where To Pick A Pumpkin Near Lakeland

Pumpkin season is almost here. Find out where to get the pick of the patch near Lakeland.

16-Year-Old Homicide Suspect Sought In Polk County: Sheriff

A teen suspect is accused of two shootings, including the death of a 17-year-old in Haines City, Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

Georgia Deputy Police Chief Solicited Prostitute in FL: Sheriff

A deputy police chief from GA is facing charges after Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said he tried to pay an undercover detective for sex.

Passenger Killed After Driver Falls Asleep Behind Wheel On I-4: FHP

The car was headed east on Interstate 4 in Polk County when the driver fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed into a pickup truck.

Winter Haven Man Killed When Jeep Crashes Into Pond

A Winter Haven man died after crashing his Jeep into a pond early Sunday morning.

Winter Haven Police Seek Tips On Man Who Assaulted Woman In Park

Winter Haven police investigators are asking for the public's help in identifying the man in a sketch who sexually assaulted a woman.

Traditional 2-Story Brick Home For Sale In Desirable Gated Community

The updated five-bedroom, 4 1/2-bath pool home is in Lakeland's Lake in the Woods neighborhood.

Pedestrian Killed While Crossing U.S. 98 In Lakeland

A 27-year-old Haines City man was killed Tuesday after being struck by a car on U.S. 98 North.

St. Petersburg Man Dies After Crashing SUV In Bartow

A 27-year-old St. Petersburg man has died after losing control of his SUV on State Road 60 in Bartow.

Lakeland Library Main Branch To Reopen After Months Of Construction

The Sept. 6 reopening will debut Lakeland's new History and Cultural Center.

Newly Installed Lakeland Water Line Fails, Causing Sidewalk To Cave In

Crews are currently investigating the nature of the failure to determine the cause.

Fentanyl, Cocaine Found In Bedroom; Winter Haven Teen Charged

A 17-year-old Winter Haven teen has been charged with 3 felony drug crimes after police found fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs in his room.

1 Dead, 2 Hospitalized Following Lake Wales Shooting Sunday

Lake Wales police are investigating a shooting that left one man dead and two others hospitalized Sunday afternoon.

Man Arrested In Shooting Death At July 4 Winter Haven Block Party

Their investigation led detectives to Bernard Footman and they obtained a warrant for his arrest and took him into custody Aug. 18.

Iconic Florida Poly Building Featured On Smithsonian Channel

The Innovation, Science, and Technology Building was featured on the international TV show “How Did They Build That?"

Webster Leads Loomer With 1 Precinct Out: Polk Co. Election Results

Polk County GOP voters gave U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster a narrow lead over Laura Loomer with 1 precinct still out late Tuesday.

Polk Co. Primary Election: Races From School Board To Governor

Polk County voters make their final choices on four school board candidates Tuesday, as well as governor and other races.

Custom-Designed Home Located On Half An Acre On Lake Juliana

Recent remodeling includes new floors, ceilings, staircase and cabinetry paint and bathrooms.

Final Chance To Vote Early In Polk Primary Is Saturday

Many of Polk County's 149,566​ registered Democrats, 173,409​ registered Republicans and 127,256​ NPA have already cast their ballots.

$12.8M In Drugs Seized From Smugglers Based In Winter Haven: Sheriff

More than 13 national and local law agencies were involving in busting a national drug-smuggling operation based in Winter Haven.

Polk Deputy Recovering After Being Struck By Vehicle Passing By

A Polk County sheriff's deputy remains hospitalized but suffered no severe injuries Sunday night after she was struck by a vehicle.

Pups, Hamster, Turtle, Residents Survive Winter Haven House Fire

Firefighters were able to get six people, two dogs, a hamster and a turtle safely out of the two-story home divided into eight apartments.

Child Porn Charges Filed Against Polk County Fire Rescue Captain

Polk County sheriff's detectives said Capt. Brian Steger downloaded child pornography during his shifts at the fire station in Lake Wales.

Courageous K-9 Killed In Line Of Duty To Be Honored In Lake Wales

K-9 Officer Max was killed Wednesday after tracking down and holding a fugitive until his partner arrived to make the arrest.

2022-23 Polk County Public School Calendar Highlights

Keep track of days off and early-release days for Polk County public schools with this 2022-23 calendar.

Random Student Searches Planned At Secondary Polk Public Schools

Here is a parent's guide to the 2022-23 school year at Polk County public schools.

School Zone Safety To Be Emphasized By Polk County Firefighters

From Wednesday, Aug. 10, through Friday, Aug. 12, Polk County Fire Rescue will be at school safety zones to remind drivers to slow down.