Where is Samantha Fiddler? The mystery behind a Canadian mom's disappearance in Polk County
In a case that has puzzled authorities and left a family in anguish, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is intensifying its investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Samantha Fiddler, a Canadian mother of three.
Bartow annexes Executive Airport amid concerns about residential development
Bartow Executive Airport is no longer in unincorporated Polk County; it's now part of the City of Bartow.
Developer of proposed Emilie Springs project addresses homeowner concerns
The city of Bartow will be reviewing a proposed large-scale community that has received some push back from concerned homeowners.
PCFR Battalion Chief collides with van, multiple people hospitalized
A Polk County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief was responding to an emergency call with lights and sirens before crashing into a van on Saturday morning.
VIDEO: Wood stork caught on fishing lure and line rescued by animal control officers
A wood stork whose legs were entangled by a fishing lure and line was rescued by Polk County Animal Control officers on Tuesday.
Bartow artist creates intricate pieces with thousands of little scratches
Artist Tifane Worsley immediately became addicted to the craft of scratchboard art.
Locals express concerns over proposed 2,000+ housing development in Bartow
Some Bartow residents are raising concerns about a proposed housing development called Emilie Springs, which would include more than 2,000 homes and be built off US Highway 60.
Lakeland man hit, killed while walking along US 98: PCSO
A deadly pedestrian crash is under investigation in Polk County.
Florida DEP, Mosaic meet with neighbors over proposed underground wastewater wells
At a community meeting Tuesday night, neighbors could learn more about Mosaic’s proposal to drill two test wells that could eventually be used to inject treated wastewater deep underground.
Polk County elementary teacher accused of hitting student
A Polk County elementary school teacher was arrested for hitting a student, according to officials with the school district.
Sheriff Grady Judd dons $50K in ‘drip’ seized during illegal drug trafficking bust that nabbed 32
On Friday, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd wore a thick gold chain around his neck, a matching bracelet and waved around a gun during a press conference to make a point about the dangers of drug trafficking.
Bartow police to enhance transparency with body, dash cameras following controversial traffic stop
Bartow police officers are set to receive new equipment, including body cams and dash cams, following a controversial traffic stop that sparked a demand for greater transparency.
Bartow family narrowly survives after part of 80-ton crane falls through home
A Bartow family is incredibly fortunate to be unharmed after a section of an 80-ton crane crashed through their roof.
Bartow community rallies behind pastor who claims racial profiling, harassment by police during traffic stop
A well-known pastor is calling for change at the police department after he says he was racially profiled and harassed.
Polk County's Walter Clayton Jr. traded to Utah Jazz after first-round NBA Draft selection by Wizards
Bartow High School graduate and Florida Gators star Walton Clayton Jr. now knows where he'll live out his dream of playing in the NBA: Utah, after the Jazz made a trade to land him.
Walter Clayton, Jr. inspires Bartow community ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft
Bartow High School graduate Walter Clayton, Jr. is expected to be selected in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Bartow's own Tony Bradley makes his hometown proud during NBA Finals
There's one city in Florida that has a very specific rooting interest in the NBA Finals.
Troubled teen stabs man 113 times at Bartow group home saying 'voices in my head told me to': PCSO
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is holding a press conference on Monday at 4 p.m. to share more details about a death at an independent group living home in Bartow.
Sheriff Grady Judd: 'Violent death' at group home prompts murder investigation
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says that his office is helping the Bartow Police Department investigate what they are calling a “violent death."
Bartow coffee shop launching free coffee campaign for first responders' weeks after recent shootout
A local business caught in the middle of a shootout is now showing its appreciation for the responding officers who risked their lives to protect the community.