Polk County commissioner and former NASCAR driver Rick Wilson reflects on Kyle Busch's racing legacy
Fans of Kyle Busch are reacting to the tragic and shocking news of his death across Central Florida.
Fans of Kyle Busch are reacting to the tragic and shocking news of his death across Central Florida.
Sheriff Grady Judd vows to hold parents accountable for teen takeovers: ‘Not going to work in Polk County’
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced that parents will be held legally responsible alongside their children if teens participate in destructive TikTok "teen takeover" trends.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced that parents will be held legally responsible alongside their children if teens participate in destructive TikTok "teen takeover" trends.
Why federal forecasters say 'it only takes one' storm as NOAA releases 2026 hurricane season predictions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday that the agency is predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, driven by a strengthening El Niño climate pattern.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced Thursday that the agency is predicting a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season, driven by a strengthening El Niño climate pattern.
Lakeland approves 800-home development on former Wedgewood golf course, residents raise traffic concerns
A former golf course and country club in north Lakeland will now become an 800-home development.
A former golf course and country club in north Lakeland will now become an 800-home development.
Polk County deputy accused of stealing more than $4K by falsifying time cards
A now-former deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is out of a job after investigators said he falsified his time cards.
A now-former deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is out of a job after investigators said he falsified his time cards.
Polk County Sheriff's Office highlights ongoing upgrades at animal shelter
For more than a year now, animal welfare advocates have been raising concerns about conditions at the Polk County Animal Control shelter. Now, the Polk County Sheriff's Office, which runs the shelter, is updating the community on the ongoing improvements made to the facility.
For more than a year now, animal welfare advocates have been raising concerns about conditions at the Polk County Animal Control shelter. Now, the Polk County Sheriff's Office, which runs the shelter, is updating the community on the ongoing improvements made to the facility.
Lakeland Navy veteran honors fallen cousin on all-female 'Flight of Honor' to Washington, D.C.
The 88-year-old retired Navy control tower operator joined dozens of female veterans aboard an Allegiant Air Flight of Honor departing from Lakeland Linder International Airport, part of the largest all-female veteran Flight of Honor out of Florida.
The 88-year-old retired Navy control tower operator joined dozens of female veterans aboard an Allegiant Air Flight of Honor departing from Lakeland Linder International Airport, part of the largest all-female veteran Flight of Honor out of Florida.
$9.6 million Bartow pedestrian bridge connects Fort Fraser Trail
A new pedestrian bridge under construction over State Road 60 in Bartow is drawing praise from local business owners and city leaders for its potential to improve safety and connectivity.
A new pedestrian bridge under construction over State Road 60 in Bartow is drawing praise from local business owners and city leaders for its potential to improve safety and connectivity.
Winter Haven man killed in multi-vehicle crash: FHP
A Winter Haven man died Monday morning after troopers say a Ford pickup truck slammed into a line of traffic on SR-570, triggering a fatal three-car crash.
A Winter Haven man died Monday morning after troopers say a Ford pickup truck slammed into a line of traffic on SR-570, triggering a fatal three-car crash.
Lakeland nonprofit opens $6.5M apartment buildings for chronically homeless residents
Gospel Inc. recently opened new permanent apartments in Lakeland for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. It is much more than just a roof over their heads; it is a place to build new skills and find a sense of community.
Gospel Inc. recently opened new permanent apartments in Lakeland for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. It is much more than just a roof over their heads; it is a place to build new skills and find a sense of community.
Pit bull to be euthanized after attacking Winter Haven foster mom
A Winter Haven woman is recovering in the hospital after a vicious dog attack inside her home.
A Winter Haven woman is recovering in the hospital after a vicious dog attack inside her home.
1 killed in Lakeland crash: LPD
One person was killed Thursday morning in a single-vehicle crash, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
One person was killed Thursday morning in a single-vehicle crash, according to the Lakeland Police Department.
FWC investigating after hundreds of dead fish found in Lakeland's Lake Hollingsworth
It has felt a lot like summer over the past couple of weeks, and it's affecting our local lakes. In Lakeland, hundreds of fish were found dead, prompting the state to investigate the cause.
It has felt a lot like summer over the past couple of weeks, and it's affecting our local lakes. In Lakeland, hundreds of fish were found dead, prompting the state to investigate the cause.
Lakeland World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday: 'I always had an American flag with me'
In Lakeland, one man is celebrating a milestone that few reach, reflecting on a life defined by quiet courage and a persistent love for his country. Stanley O’Dell turned 100 years old on St. Patrick’s Day, but don’t expect him to slow down.
In Lakeland, one man is celebrating a milestone that few reach, reflecting on a life defined by quiet courage and a persistent love for his country. Stanley O’Dell turned 100 years old on St. Patrick’s Day, but don’t expect him to slow down.
Lithia 18-year-old could become youngest certified air traffic controller in the US
An 18-year-old from Lithia is ready to work as a certified air traffic controller, potentially making her the youngest in the United States.
An 18-year-old from Lithia is ready to work as a certified air traffic controller, potentially making her the youngest in the United States.
Florida Poly prepares for first-ever sports season as athletics program takes shape
Florida Polytechnic University is gearing up for the first season of its new athletics program.
Florida Polytechnic University is gearing up for the first season of its new athletics program.
Pilot unharmed after small plane flips during emergency landing near Mulberry: PCSO
A pilot avoided injury Friday night after a small plane experienced engine trouble shortly after takeoff and flipped upside down during an emergency landing near Mulberry, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
A pilot avoided injury Friday night after a small plane experienced engine trouble shortly after takeoff and flipped upside down during an emergency landing near Mulberry, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
DeSantis signs bill regulating costs, water use tied to large-scale data centers in Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new bill Thursday aimed at controlling large-scale data centers and preventing consumers from footing the bill for the massive facilities’ utility demands.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new bill Thursday aimed at controlling large-scale data centers and preventing consumers from footing the bill for the massive facilities’ utility demands.
Lakeland man accused of beating driver with hammer during road rage: 'Violent and brutal'
A Lakeland man was booked on multiple felony charges after deputies say he brutally attacked another driver with a hammer during a road rage incident in Winter Haven while the victim’s children were inside the vehicle.
A Lakeland man was booked on multiple felony charges after deputies say he brutally attacked another driver with a hammer during a road rage incident in Winter Haven while the victim’s children were inside the vehicle.
Driver ejected, killed after vehicle goes airborne near US-17
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of the driver in Eagle Lake.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of the driver in Eagle Lake.