Polk County Schools To Conduct Random Weapons Checks

School and district staff will conduct the screenings, Polk County Public Schools Superintendent​ Fred Heid said.

N. Galloway Road, Sleepy Hill Road Intersection Closed Another Month

The schedule for opening the roundabout to traffic is now Sept. 9, 2022, Polk County officials said.

Do You Have Unclaimed Money In Polk County? Here's How To Find Out

Anyone who has unclaimed funds must contact the clerk's office in Polk County before Sept. 1.

Lakeland Girl Recognized For Helping Family Escape House Fire

The Lakeland Fire Department honored Zniayah Armstrong, 9, Wednesday for helping her family escape a house fire in June.

Police K-9 Fatally Shot In Line Of Duty In Polk County

K-9 Max of the Lake Wales Police Department was shot and killed by a man with a known criminal history, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said.

2-Story Brick Home In Lakeland Offers Spacious Floorplan: $1.595M

This 4,867 square foot two-story estate includes 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths in one of South Lakeland’s most highly desirable neighborhoods.

Polk County Man Wanted For Striking Biker, Leaving Scene: Deputies

Efrain Perez, 41, is wanted for a recent hit-and-run crash that badly injured a motorcyclist, Polk County deputies said.

Biker Clings To Life After Crash, Suspect Wanted: Polk County Sheriff

Polk County deputies said the motorcyclist, a 67-year-old Auburndale man, sustained numerous broken bones and head trauma.

Federal Corrections Officer Arrested In Polk County: Sheriff

Casey Lester, 33, of Lakeland has been charged with battery-domestic violence and tampering with a victim, according to deputies.

Man Putting Up Sign Killed After 2-Vehicles Collide: Lakeland PD

After the collision, one vehicle left the roadway and struck a man who was in the grass putting up a garage sale sign, Lakeland police said.

Under Armour Becomes Official Provider For Polk State Athletics

The company will provide apparel as well as uniforms for each of Polk State's five athletic programs.

Man Calls 911, Confesses To Killing Father: Polk County Sheriff

Kyle Raemisch, 21, has been charged with first-degree murder, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Seeking Tips On July 4 Shooting , Winter Haven Police Canvass Area

Winter Haven police and the family of homicide victim Demetrick Brown are offering a $10,000 reward for information.

Burlington To Open New Store In Lakeland

Burlington Stores Inc. announced that it will open a new store at 4011 U.S. 98 N in Lakeland this fall.

Fatal Shooting Of Davenport Teen Under Investigation

Polk County sheriff's deputies found the body of a 17-year-old boy near Jennings Road and Jack Watkins Road in Haines City.

ATV Crash Kills Haines City Man

A 22-year-old Haines City man was killed Saturday night after crashing while riding an ATV.

Pileup On I-4 Involving Tractor-Trailer Trucks Closes Highway 3 hours

Portions of the highway were closed several hours Sunday morning when a tractor-trailer truck failed to stop for a traffic backup.

Reward Increased To $10,000 For Tips In Winter Haven Shooting Death

The reward for tips leading to the arrest of the person who shot into a crowd on July 4, killing Demetrick Brown, is now $10,000.

New Summit Parking Garage Open To Public Nights, Weekends On Aug. 8

Beginning Monday, Aug. 8, the public will have access to 150 covered parking spaces located on the first two levels.

Applications Open For Interim Lakeland City Commissioner

Lakeland Commissioner Phillip Walker is leaving the commission to run for the District 50 seat in the Florida House.

$6.5M In Funds To Develop Civic Academies To Train New FL Leaders

Funds will go to Polk State College, Broward College and Florida State College at Jacksonville to develop civic academies.

​Maintenance Work To Close Sections Of Radford, Richardson Roads

Florida Gas Transmission Co. announced that a 6.3-mile section of its natural gas pipeline is scheduled to undergo maintenance.

Fundraiser Lights Way To Grand Oak At Lakeland Library

The goal is to raise $35,000 to equip the large oak tree in front of the main library with decorative drip lights.

HL Smith Road In Polk County To Close For 3 Weeks

Starting Wednesday, July 20, off-site widening and turn lane construction for a new subdivision will close H.L. Smith Road for three weeks.

Emergency Railroad Crossing Repairs Close Old Highway 37 In Polk

Recent damage to track components has closed the railroad crossing on Old Highway 37, just south of Agricola Road in the Bradley Junction.

Portion Of Natural Gas Pipeline To Be Retested In Bartow

The test will close sections of Radford and Richardson roads July 18

61-Year-Old Davenport Bicyclist Killed After Being Struck By Truck

Troopers said a Wright Tree Service truck with a utility trailer struck the bicyclist in the driveway of St. Charles Plaza.

Lake Wales Motorcyclist Killed In Crash On U.S. 27

A 33-year-old Lake Wales motorcyclist has died following a crash at the intersection of U.S. 27 and Kokomo Road Thursday.

Elderly Woman In Winter Haven Killed In Mobile Home Fire

A neighbor was able to pull the husband out of the home, but couldn't make it back inside to rescue the woman due to smoke and flames.

Natural Gas Pipeline Tests To Close Roads In Bartow Friday

In the early morning hours of Friday, Florida Gas Transmission Co. will hydrostatically test a 6-mile section of its natural gas pipeline.

9 Polk State Student-Athletes Named To NJCAA All-Academic Team

Six Polk State baseball players and three soccer players were named to the National Junior College Athletic Association​ All-Academic Team.

Scammers Targeting Lakeland Electric Customers

Lakeland Electric said a so-called “Sunshine Utilities” is calling and telling customers it is taking over the city's water service.

Kids Invited To Playground 'Garage' At New John McGee Park In Lakeland

The new automotive-themed playground recognizes McGee Tire Stores, started by the late John McGee.

Possession Of Child Pornography Charges Filed Against 5 Polk Men

The Polk sheriff's office searched homes that the computer crimes unit traced to downloaded child porn.

Lake Arbuckle Campground To Close July 11 To Aug. 14 For Maintenance

The boat ramp will remain open for use during park hours.

Canoe Capsizes On Mulberry Lake; Man's Body Recovered

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a man after a canoe capsized in a lake near Mulberry Wednesday afternoon.

2 People Die In 2-Vehicle Crash In Auburndale

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating a crash that killed two people Wednesday afternoon, according to the sheriff's office.

1 Killed, 2 Injured In Winter Haven Shooting; Police Seek Information

Winter Haven police are investigating a shooting that took place Monday night.

July 4th 2022: Find Fireworks Near Lakeland

See Patch’s guide to Independence Day fireworks shows, parades and other celebrations in and around Lakeland.

2 Probable Monkeypox Cases Reported In Polk County, 1 More In Pinellas

This brings the total number of confirmed and probable cases in the Tampa Bay area to four.