Hit-and-run driver accused in crash that killed Bartow High School student arrested at mall
A man accused of hitting and killing a Bartow High School student and leaving the scene on Wednesday morning has been arrested.
Polk County in critical need of large animal veterinarians: USDA report
According to data from the University of Florida, Polk County's cattle industry contributes more than a billion dollars to the local economy every year. However, finding enough large animal veterinarians to help care for the animals hasn't been easy.
‘My Girl’ house in Bartow finds new life as home for single moms: ‘We want them to thrive’
Most people who lived in Bartow in the early 90s will tell you tales about hanging out with Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Macaulay Culkin and Anna Chlumsky on a porch attached to a blue and yellow house during the filming of the movie ‘My Girl’. The home, which was the setting for a funeral parlor in a coming-of-age movie about a pre-teen girl who always thought she was about to die and ends up burying her best friend, is about to be a place of new life.
Vigil held to remember Sierra Hernandez and Edil Rodriguez in Bartow, loved ones celebrate their lives
Over 100 friends and family held a vigil and celebration of life for 20-year-old Sierra Hernandez and 33-year-old Edil Rodriguez on Saturday evening at a park in Bartow.
Trial for man accused of stabbing Lakeland commissioner, husband to death begins
The murder trial has begun for a man accused of killing a former Lakeland city commissioner and her husband.
Annual Christmas Tree Burning tradition continues in Bartow
There's no ball drop, nor a countdown, but in one city in Polk County, the new year is welcomed by torching old pine trees.
Duke Energy tests solar farm floating on water in clean energy pilot project
A solar farm on water instead of land may be the future of clean energy.
FDLE searching for leads on missing Polk County woman nearly 7 years after her disappearance
A family is still searching for answers after a woman vanished from Polk County in 2016.
Polk County Jail program teaches inmates how to braid hair, gives second chance
Hair braiding may seem easy, but instructor and salon owner Alisha Hinton explained it actually takes time, dedication and patience. It's those skills that female inmates at the Polk County Jail will get through a class on how to braid hair.
Polk County Sheriff's Office resurrects 'Haunted Jail Tour' in old downtown Bartow jail
The Polk County Sheriff's Office's "Haunted Jail Tour" is back with this year's theme being "Resurrection."
‘This is a criminal’: Suspect who pointed gun, carjacked couple shot by Bartow police officers
A violent suspect who pointed a gun at police is in critical condition after he was shot by two officers on US 98 in Bartow, authorities said. He's also accused of carjacking a couple and ramming the stolen vehicle into three other cars on the major road.
PCSO: Fort Meade man killed in head-on crash with semi-truck
A 55-year-old man died Wednesday afternoon after crashing head-on into a semi-truck on Homeland Garfield Road.
Bartow riding program executive director arrested after 8 horses found in bad condition
The executive director of a well-known riding program for veterans and kids with challenges has been arrested on abuse and neglect charges.
Polk County looking into ways to make dangerous curve on Dietz Road safer
As a Former Bartow Police Chief, Tony Sparks was used to dangerous workplace situations.
PCSO: Bartow man gunned down while riding dirt bike
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is asking for help catching a killer.
Bartow police arrest two suspects after man was shot in arm
Two men were arrested after shooting a man in the arm on Tuesday, according to Bartow police.
Lakeland, Bartow, Tarpon Springs among 30 cities that issued proclamations for fake country
No matter how hard you try, you won't be able to find the country of Kailasa on a map. That's because it doesn't exist.
Heartland for Children in Bartow looks for more foster parents as need grows urgent
Foster care agencies, including Heartland for Children in Bartow, are desperately looking for more foster parents.
Some residents still without power in Peace River Village after Hurricane Ian
Power has been restored for the vast majority of Floridians after Hurricane Ian, but it has not for many people who live in Peace River Village on SR 60 in Bartow, which is still flooded.
Faith community call for more for more diversion, fewer first-time offender arrests in Polk County
PEACE members chanted, held signs and prayed. They said too many first-time offenders are arrested for committing minor crimes. Instead, they want a lot more people to be put into a diversion program.