History of Lake Wales showcased in art exhibition
An exhibition by the Lakes Wales Arts Council, "How The Arts Shaped Lakes Wales", uses art to tell the history of the city’s growth over the past 50 years.
Florida Southern College evaluates safety precautions daily: ‘You have to be prepared'
The shooting at Florida State University last week that killed two employees and injured six other people is putting a spotlight on safety on college campuses.
Suspected drunk driver chugs beer in front of Lakeland officers, tells them he has 3 DUI convictions: LPD
A man who Lakeland police say drank a beer in front of them while sitting in the driver’s seat was arrested for DUI for the fourth time last week.
Sen. Ashley Moody aims to roll back 60s-era citrus regulation as growers face mounting challenges
Polk County is one of the top producers of orange juice in the state, and its citrus growers have faced numerous challenges, including government over-regulation, which U.S. Senator Ashley Moody says she is fighting to change.
Man accused of threatening tow truck driver arrested: Lake Alfred police
The suspect accused of chasing down a Polk County tow truck driver in Lake Alfred was arrested.
Fewer drivers speeding in school zones in Lake Alfred after camera program launch
Cameras catching speeders in school zones near downtown Lake Alfred are making a difference since they were installed earlier this year — so say police and small business owners.
Former deputy no-shows DUI manslaughter trial, warrant issued
A judge has issued a warrant for a former Polk County deputy after he failed to appear in a Tampa courtroom to stand trial in a 2022 DUI manslaughter case.
Lakeland student describes suspected FSU shooter
Lakeland native Ian Townsend says he would see the alleged FSU gunman, Phoenix Ikner, in two of his fall 2024 classes at Tallahassee State College.
'We shot him a lot:' Man opens fire on law enforcement after holding parents hostage
Two Bartow police officers and a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff's Office are recovering after being shot Friday afternoon in Bartow. The suspect was shot and killed.
Grady Judd: 'Very violent' gang members, associates arrested in organized retail theft ring
Five illegal immigrants suspected of dozens of crimes in Central Florida as part of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua face charges after a months-long investigation, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd announced Friday.
High school head football coach arrested for inappropriate behavior with students: PCSO
A teacher and head football coach at Bartow High School is facing serious charges, accused of inappropriate behavior toward multiple female students.
'I want to kill you:' Man stabs woman in Winter Haven, critically injuring her
An Auburndale man is under arrest, charged with attempted second-degree murder after stabbing a woman, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Lakeland's Bonnet Springs Park voted 'Best City Park' in U.S.
The best city park in the U.S. is in Lakeland, according to USA Today.
Elderly Florida man rescued after wandering away from nursing home Sunday night: FWC
An elderly man was found and rescued on Sunday after wandering away from a Polk County nursing home, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Burn ban issued for multiple cities in Polk County due to dry conditions
Unincorporated areas of Polk County, along with other cities within the county, are now under a burn ban as dry conditions create an increased risk of brush fires.
Lake Wales expected to regain control of landmark hotel: ‘Step back into time’
The City of Lakes Wales is expected to regain ownership of an iconic landmark in the heart of downtown.
Florida man sets camper on fire, punches K-9 after domestic violence incident: PCSO
A man faces a list of charges after Polk County deputies say he violently threatened his partner, then set his camper on fire and punched a K-9 repeatedly as deputies tried to arrest him.
Florida woman accused of hitting estranged husband's girlfriend with car: PCSO
A woman faces an attempted murder charge after Polk County deputies say she purposely hit another woman with her car after spotting the victim with the suspect's estranged husband.
Deputy accidentally shoots self in leg while fending off dog attack: PCSO
A Polk County deputy is recovering after shooting herself in the leg during a dog attack on Sunday, according to the sheriff's office.
Grady Judd: Man with knife who wanted to be shot, killed by deputy in Lake Wales
A Polk County sheriff's deputy shot and killed a man Friday afternoon after the man came at them with a knife, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.