Former Lakeland police officer accused of falsifying time slips

A former Lakeland police officer is seeing things from the other side of the law after investigators say he falsified time slips for off-duty detail assignments.

Polk County court expansion reduces judge caseloads amid population boom

Chief Judge James Yancey established a sixth family division at Florida's 10th Judicial Circuit Court on Monday to address an exploding population and a surging caseload in Polk County.

Firefighters battle car repair shop fire in Winter Haven

A fire broke out inside a Winter Haven car repair shop Monday evening, according to the Winter Haven Fire Department. Emergency crews managed to put out the flames quickly before they could spread to neighboring plaza businesses.

New Bexley Box in Lakeland to help officers comfort young victims

The Lakeland Police Department received a Bexley Box on Monday, providing essential supplies and toys to help care for kids affected by crimes and traumatic incidents. 

Lakeland man gets 30 years in prison for gun charge tied to Christmas Eve shooting that killed grandmother

A Lakeland man was sentenced to 30 years in prison after investigators linked him to the firearm used in a Christmas Eve 2020 shooting that killed a 70-year-old grandmother and injured three members of her family.

Lakeland City Commission holds first public hearing on proposed data center moratorium

Lakeland city commissioners held the first public hearing Monday at 9 a.m. at City Hall on a proposed one-year moratorium on new large-scale computing facilities.

2 dead after fatal fire in Winter Haven home: WHPD

The Winter Haven Fire Department and State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating a fire that killed 2 people on Sunday morning.

Mulberry Cultural Center art exhibit celebrates America's 250th birthday

A new multimedia exhibition at the Mulberry Cultural Center explores America's 250th birthday by bringing together artists to reflect on the country's past, present and future.

First public hearing on proposed large-scale data center moratorium scheduled for Monday in Lakeland

Lakeland officials are preparing to review a 12-month moratorium on large-scale computing facilities following heavy community pushback against a massive development project. The first public hearing on the matter is scheduled for Monday morning at city hall.

Haines City man drank 'several beers' before crash that killed teen dirt bike rider: PCSO

A Haines City man was arrested on DUI-related charges after Polk County deputies say he caused a three-vehicle crash while trying to pass traffic in a no-passing zone, killing a 17-year-old dirt bike rider.

Polk County effort aims to rebrand State Road 60 to 'Route 60' after iconic Route 66

Polk County leaders and business owners are backing an ambitious proposal to rebrand State Road 60 as Route 60 to create a coast-to-coast tourism adventure across Florida.

Lake Wales pottery project: National grant funds free community art classes ahead of America 250

Hundreds of local residents are shaping clay into unique art pieces at the Lake Wales Arts Council to prepare for a major summer exhibition. The upcoming gallery showcase celebrates the diverse history of the nation through hands-on community crafting.

Florida SWAT Association holds first active shooter conference at Florida Southern College

Law enforcement officers from across the state have gathered at Florida Southern College for realistic tactical training drills. The exercises mark the first-ever conference hosted by the Florida SWAT Association to prepare teams for high-stakes emergencies.