2 skydivers injured after hard landing in Lake Wales: Police
Two skydivers were injured after making a hard landing in Lake Wales on Monday afternoon, according to the Lake Wales Police Department.
Lakeland man dies after car becomes wedged under semi-truck during crash: PCSO
A 56-year-old Lakeland man died after the front of his car became wedged under a semi-truck early on Monday morning, according to officials.
Lakeland man charged with murder in death of his girlfriend's 23-month-old toddler: Police
A man was arrested in Lakeland on Friday and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend's 23-month-old child, according to police.
Commissioners consider expansion to Lakeland Linder International Airport
Lakeland Commissioners are expected to formally accept a grant on Monday that will help fund an update to Lakeland Linder’s Airport Layout Plan Study.
Governor Ron DeSantis signs 3 bills cracking down on illegal immigration
Three new bills aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration were signed into law on Friday.
Experimental aircraft bursts into flames after crashing into Polk County field
Emergency responders credit a pilot’s quick thinking for keeping people safe when his experimental aircraft burst into flames after he crash landed in a Polk County field.
More people moved to these US counties in 2023 than anywhere else
The U.S. Census Bureau released data on Thursday showing the top 10 counties in the country with the most population growth in 2023.
Lakeland men wanted in shooting that left 3-year-old boy dead: Police Chief
Days after a Lakeland shooting that left a 3-year-old boy dead, a search is underway for two men investigators believe were involved.
Bay Area man busted in child sex sting arrested after going on the run: ‘He’s a filthy-talking rascal'
A man Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd describes as a ‘filthy-talking rascal’ has been arrested after going on the lam following a multi-agency child sex sting.
Grieving families ripped off by Polk County man accused of stealing $155K in headstone scam
A Lakeland man is accused of ripping off dozens of widows and family members who lost a loved one.
Lakeland family grieving after 3-year-old shot, killed inside car outside apartment complex
A family is left grieving the loss of a three-year-old boy who was shot and killed in a car outside a Lakeland apartment complex Monday night.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office bloodhound safely locates missing man with autism using pillow to track scent
You typically don’t want to be featured on one of the stock cards Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd puts on display, but when one of his deputies and K-9 partner graced the front of the iconic images, it wasn't because they earned a trip to the ‘Grady Town’ jail. Instead, they were being praised by the sheriff.
3-year-old among 2 killed in Lakeland shooting: Police
Two people, including a three-year-old child, were killed and another was injured in a Lakeland shooting Monday night, according to police.
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.
Lakes Wales to begin looking for new police chief amid nepotism, transparency concerns: Memo
The chief of the Lake Wales Police Department has been suspended for three days and put on notice that the city will begin looking for someone to fill his position in April after a human resources investigation revealed the appearance of nepotism within the department and the perception of lack of transparency.
Polk County child sex predator sting: 7 charged, 1 on the run after undercover investigation
Law enforcement officers have arrested seven suspects and are still searching for one more following a multi-agency undercover investigation that focused on sexual predators who target children.
2 Lakeland men arrested after damaging light poles while stealing wire: Police
Two Lakeland men suspected of stealing wire from light poles were arrested on Thursday morning, according to officials.
Lake Wales man arrested after beating on window with gun, shooting at victim's vehicle: Police
A Lake Wales man was arrested for trying to kill another man early on Saturday morning, according to officials.
Auburndale police officer was speeding 105 mph moments before ‘tragic’ crash that killed child: Report
An Auburndale police officer was speeding when he crashed into another vehicle last November, killing a five-year-old girl, according to a report from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Serial sex offender accused of exposing himself to women, kids in Winter Haven: ‘This ain’t his first rodeo’
A registered sex offender from Brevard County was arrested in Winter Haven after deputies say he exposed himself to children.