Customers Boycott Publix After Heiress Gave $300K To Trump Rally

Some Publix customers took to Twitter over the weekend to say they will no longer shop there after its heiress donated to a pre-riot rally.

Man Arrested For Punching Gas Station Clerk: Police

The suspect wanted a pack of cigarettes from the clerk for free, according to authorities.

Two $1 Million Florida Lottery Winners From Polk County

Polk County was the lucky place to buy lottery tickets after two residents hit the million-dollar jackpot.

Black History Month Interactive Banners In Downtown Winter Haven

In honor of Black History month, Winter Haven has installed banners that feature Black heroes throughout downtown.

Haines City Teacher Arrested For Sex With Student: Police

A Haines City High School teacher is accused of grooming a minor for sexual favors, and having sex with the victim in the classroom closet.

Fort Meade Man Steals From Murder Victim's Gravesite: Sheriff

A suspect was seen on camera taking solar lights from a Frostproof triple homicide victim's grave, deputies said.

Here's How Close Lakeland Area Hospitals Are To Capacity: Weekly Update

New federal data shows which hospitals are closest to capacity in Polk County and across Florida.

Fire Rescue Captain Resigns, Surrenders On Theft Of COVID Shots

A Polk Fire Rescue captain is accused of stealing COVID-19 vaccines to administer to his mother.

School Custodian Accused Of Domestic Violence: Sheriff

The victim told authorities the suspect grabbed her by the neck and pushed her, investigators said.

How New Executive Orders Will Help The Hungry In Lakeland

President Joe Biden on Friday issued two executive orders to help feed millions of Americans and revive a troubled U.S. economy.

Polk Takes 1st Step Securing COVID-19 Vaccine For School Workers

The Polk County Public School District has asked employees who wish to get a vaccine to fill out a survey.

Polk County Youth Fair Will Be Mostly Virtual

Polk County Public School will limit its involvement in the upcoming Youth Fair for coronavirus safety precautions.

2021 Polk County Teacher Of The Year Announced

The Polk County School District announced its 2021 Teacher of the Year and 2021 School-Related-Employee of the Year at a ceremony.

5,500 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Received In Polk County

The Polk County Department of Health is partnering with community vaccination agencies to distribute COVID-19 doses across the county.

Deputy Accused Of Mass-Shooting Threats After Capitol Riot

A Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy is accused of threatening a mass shooting via text at the U.S. Capitol, authorities said.

New Affordable Housing Community In Lakeland

A new affordable housing community has started leasing apartment units to prospects in the Lakeland area.

Here's How Close Lakeland Area Hospitals Are To Capacity

New federal government data shows which hospitals are nearing capacity in the Lakeland area.

MLK Day 2021: Here's What's Open, Closed In Lakeland

Some services will be closed for the federal holiday commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.

14-Year-Old Boy Shot At Winter Haven Gathering: Police

Winter Haven detectives are asking for the public's help with information about a boy being shot at a Saturday night gathering.

School Crossing Guards Needed At Two Polk County Schools

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is hiring part-time school crossing guards at school locations in Polk.

COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Portal Opens For Seniors In Polk

Seniors in Polk County can preregister on the county's health department page for the next available doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Mass Shooting Threats At Capitol Lead To Arrest Of Former Officer

A Haines City man who is a former police officer was arrested after police said he made online threats to shoot people at the U.S. Capitol.

Middle School Teacher Arrested On Drug Charges: Sheriff

A Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy checked on a woman asleep in her car in a Lakeland store parking lot, and found drugs, deputies said.

Record Graduation Rates For Polk County High Schools

High schools in Polk County have reached a new record high with its graduation rates, according to the Florida Department of Education.

Here's How Close Lakeland Area Hospitals Are To Capacity

New data from the federal government shows which hospitals are closest to capacity in the Lakeland area.

Driver Thrown From Car Killed In I-4 Crash: Highway Patrol

The Florida Highway Patrol investigated a weekend crash that killed a woman who lost control of her car in Polk County on Interstate-4.

COVID-19 Appointments Filled Up Fast In Polk, Wait List Offered

Five hours after phones opened for vaccine appointments, slots for next were booked in Polk. Find out here how you can be on the wait list.

3 Shooting Suspects Face Charges After Crime Spree: Sheriff

The Polk County Sheriff's Office has filed armed burglary with battery charges on three men accused of a crime spree and Circle K shooting.

Second Round Of COVID-19 Vaccine Registrations In Polk

The Polk County Department of Health is launching its second round of COVID-19 vaccine registrations. Find out here when you can register.

I-4 Eastbound Lanes Reopened After Fatal Crash Investigation

The Florida Highway Patrol investigated a fatal pedestrian crash on Interstate 4 in Polk County Thursday morning.

Student Airlifted To Hospital After Car Hits Her In Winter Haven

A Winter Haven High School student was airlifted to a hospital Thursday after a car hit her near a bus stop as she walked to a bus.

Polk Woman Charged With Child Abuse Turns Herself In: Police

A Haines City woman faces multiple charges after she is accused of running her car into the front of a garbage truck with a child inside.

Sheriff Judd Swears In Historic Oath

Sheriff Grady Judd swore in a historic oath as Polk County's only sheriff to ever be elected to five terms.

Missing Man With Autism Found: Police

A missing man from Lake Hamilton has been safely found and will be reunited with his family, police said.

COVID-19 Vaccinations Completely Booked In First Week

Polk seniors who didn't schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for the first week of open registration will have to wait until next time.

Haines City Police Launch Registered Sex Offenders List Online

Residents in Haines City can check the police department's website for an updated list of registered sex offenders in the area.

3 Accused Poachers Arrested For Trying To Kill Officer: Sheriff

Three Miami suspects are in jail on attempted murder charges after an FWC officer was hit by an ATV in Polk County, deputies said.

COVID-19 Vaccines Received In Polk County For Seniors

The Polk County Health Department has received vaccines for seniors. Officials are putting a plan together for distribution.

Deadly Fishing Trip, Crime: Top Stories In Lakeland For 2020

While the coronavirus pandemic was big news in Lakeland this year, Patch readers were also interested in other stories.

Man Raped At Knifepoint By Person Met On Dating Website: Police

A Winter Haven man is accused of rape after he met someone on a dating site and raped the victim at knifepoint in a hotel, deputies said.