Polk deputies nab killer, released early from prison, wanted for new murder in New Jersey
Prosecutors in New Jersey say James Lewis fatally shot a man back on September 18 during a carjacking. They say he tied up the victim’s girlfriend and stole the vehicle with her in it, before crashing a short time later.
New video shows Lakeland man attacking Capitol officers on January 6, FBI says
The FBI is renewing its push to capture a Lakeland man they say played a part in the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Investigators say Jonathan Pollock can be seen in new video assaulting multiple police officers.
Lakeland's iconic swans rounded up for annual checkup
A wild tradition continued Tuesday in downtown Lakeland: the annual swan roundup at Lake Morton.
Fugitive Polk County murder suspect captured in Texas
Polk deputies say a local Crimestoppers tip helped U.S. Marshals track him down Aroldo Paz in Texas, where he allegedly confessed to murdering his adoptive mother.
Motorcyclist killed in crash with FHP cruiser, tractor-trailer on I-4 in Polk County
A motorcyclist was killed Monday night in a crash on Interstate 4 in Polk County involving an FHP trooper and a tractor-trailer, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Florida woman arrested after defrauding employer out of nearly half a million dollars, police say
Marion Chamberlain, 37, of Kissimmee is facing charges of grand theft after police say she wrote fraudulent checks to herself as an employee of Miracle Toyota.
Polk deputies searching for Texas man accused of murdering 74-year-old aunt who adopted him
A $3,000 reward is being offered for anyone who can help Polk County deputies locate and arrest 39-year-old Aroldo Paz, an illegal immigrant who allegedly murdered his aunt in Polk City.
Sexual misconduct allegation leads Southeastern University athletic trainer to relinquish license
The head athletic trainer for Southeastern University in Lakeland has voluntarily relinquished his license following a sexual misconduct complaint filed nearly a year ago by a 23-year-old volleyball player.
3 years after Winter Haven man shot while sleeping, reward increased to $9,500
A Winter Haven mother is hoping additional reward money will hopefully find her son’s killer.
The history of Cypress Gardens, Florida's first theme park
The Sunshine State’s major tourism industry began with a 'Good Housekeeping' article back in the 1930s. Today, Cypress Gardens lives on as part of LEGOLAND Florida.
Peppa Pig theme park in Winter Haven sets opening date for Feb. 24
There is an opening date now for the Winter Haven theme park dedicated to the popular character, Peppa Pig: Feb. 24, 2022.
Insanity considered for ex-Marine accused of murdering Lakeland family
An insanity defense is being considered for an ex-Marine accused of killing four members of a Polk County family -- including an infant who was found in his mother's arms -- last month.
60 international educators hired to fill teacher shortages in Polk County
Polk County Schools hired 60 teachers from all over the world to help fill vacancies they couldn't otherwise. It's part of a teacher exchange program where educators are provided housing and employed under J-1 visas.
Submerged car found in Lake Martha may belong to missing man
Police in Winter Haven say a car spotted underwater in Lake Martha matches the description of one belonging to a man missing since August.
Winter Haven receives $9 million grant from state for road infrastructure, job growth
Governor Ron DeSantis said Winter Haven will receive more than $9 million to support “economic growth.”
Sheriff: Woman dies following motorcycle gang shootout on I-4; Boyfriend charged with second-degree murder
A 33-year-old woman from Brevard County has died following a motorcycle gang shootout on I-4 early Friday morning, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Woman 'near death' following I-4 shootout between motorcycle gangs in Polk; boyfriend arrested, sheriff says
After midnight, a shooting broke out between two motorcycle gangs along a stretch of highway in Polk County. One of the two who were shot will likely not survive, said Sheriff Grady Judd.
Polk County law enforcement honor officers who served to the end
Each year, Polk County honors law enforcement officers who passed during the last year. After last year's ceremony was canceled and this year's was delayed due to the pandemic, two more names were added to the memorial.
Lakeland firefighters relieved to work less overtime as COVID-19 surge slows
Lakeland firefighters, like many of their brethren, are working fewer hours these days. It's a welcome reprieve from the long shifts and overtime they endured during the recent surge in COVID-19 cases due to the delta variant of the virus.
Central Florida farmers pull up roots to make room for massive warehouses
County Line Road is a choice spot for many big businesses because it is sandwiched between I-4 and State Road 60, two main arteries in the state. Giant distribution centers are replacing farm fields.